North Ridgeville Paraprofessional Named 2025 Ohio Paraeducator of the Year

North Ridgeville City Schools is proud to announce that Shelley Klemens, a dedicated paraprofessional in the district’s special education program, has been named the 2025 Special Education Paraeducator of the Year by the Ohio Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). This prestigious statewide award recognizes paraprofessionals who demonstrate exceptional support to students with disabilities and/or giftedness and who promote inclusive, high-quality education.

Klemens was selected for this honor due to her commitment to student success, her compassionate and consistent approach to her work, and the significant impact she had made on students, families, and colleagues.

“It is such an honor to be recognized with this award,” said Klemens. “Working with students is my passion, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a team that supports and uplifts one another every single day. Watching students grow and overcome challenges is the most rewarding part of what I do.”

The award will be presented to Klemens during the 2025 CEC Ohio State Conference on June 6 held at The Ohio State University in Columbus.

Jackie Vance, Director of Student Services for North Ridgeville City Schools, praised Klemens’ efforts: “Shelley exemplifies everything we hope for in a paraprofessional. She is nurturing and knowledgeable and consistently goes above and beyond to meet the needs of every student she supports. Her dedication truly makes a difference in the lives of our students and their families. She is humble to the core, never seeking recognition, yet her impact is felt deeply by the students and staff she touches. Shelly’s positivity is infectious, her organization is unmatched, and her unwavering presence provides stability and trust for everyone she supports. She advocates for students with quiet determination and genuine empathy, embodying the heart of what it means to serve in education. We are incredibly fortunate to have Shelly as a part of our team, and we celebrate her with gratitude and admiration.”

North Ridgeville City Schools celebrates this well-earned recognition and extends its deepest gratitude to Shelley Klemens for her continued service and leadership.