New London — New London Public Schools this week announced its teacher and paraprofessional of the year.

Teacher of the Year Colleen Delaporte-Wells is a special education teacher at Nathan Hale Arts Magnet Elementary School who is in her 18th year of teaching and joined the staff in New London in 2018. Nathan Hale Principal Laurelle Texidor called Delaporte-Wells a “consummate educator.”

“Her forthright commitment and approach to our school and district goals around equity and social-emotional growth of all members of our Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School family is second to none,” Texidor said.

Paraprofessional of the Year is Eric Messick, who works with students at New London High School and has been in the district for 15 years.

"His dedication to students is parallel to none," New London High School Multi-Magnet Campus Principal Jose Ortiz said.