Waconia paraprofessional earns associations' top honor
Amanda Phenix, a special education paraprofessional in Waconia Public Schools, is Education Minnesota’s 2026-2027 ESP of the Year. The winner was announced Oct. 24 at reception in St. Paul. Phenix has worked in the Waconia Public Schools for 21 years. As a special education paraprofessional, she works directly with students on Individualized Education Plans to meet the education goals established by their case manager and special education team. She does this through intentional engagement with students, checking in on their emotional and physical health throughout the day, and collaborating with teachers to shape lessons that meet students where they are at. Phenix says that building trust is one of the most important pieces of her job. “Building positive, lasting relationships with students in this setting is not optional—it’s essential,” she said. “It can take weeks, even months, to earn their trust. But once it’s there … students begin to open up, show up differently, and find success academically, socially, and emotionally.” Phenix’s colleagues praise her versatility and patience. Paul Tordoff, special education director at Waconia Public Schools, said Phenix “possesses a unique combination of compassion, expertise, and unwavering patience that makes her an ideal fit for our Waconia Middle School