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Evelyn Cruz has been a Paraeducator in the Springfield Public Schools since October 24, 2005.  She currently works at Putnam Vocational Technical Academy.

"Evelyn Cruz is an integral part of our team here at Putnam Vocational Academy.  She is hardworking, compassionate and enthusiastic. She is always willing to assist her colleagues and students with a smile and positive attitude. Evelyn supports our students in the pull-out and inclusion setting. She is an asset to our inclusion classroom as she works closely with her students to ensure they receive the necessary accommodation and modifications, as well as implementing positive interventions and strategies to address challenging behaviors.  Evelyn is currently pursuing her degree in education and our students are very fortunate to have her." – Joy McDowell, Paraeducator, Building Representative.

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“Evelyn goes above and beyond every day.  She truly embodies what it means to be a para-EDUCATOR.  You would never know that she wasn’t a second teacher in the room.  She is responsible, kind, and truly cares about each of her students and colleagues.” - Vera M. Denyko, Assistant Principal

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“I was excited to hear that Ms. Cruz won! I was also told to keep it a secret. I would like to share a few things about Ms. Cruz. Ms. Cruz is always on time and she's a self-starter. She takes on tasks that a para may wait for the teacher to ask for. She is flexible in last-minute changes to instruction. She goes out of her way to understand the content and curriculum so that the students can also understand. Sometimes I check in with her to make sure I get the answers correct! Ms. Cruz lightens the room with her jokes and silly personality. She has a way with connecting with students that is so helpful, especially when the teacher is instructing in the class. She is always happy to jump in and help in any way possible.”  Sarah Schaefer-Cunha,  Special Education Teacher

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Congratulations Evelyn and thank you for Making a Difference 😊