Hansen staffer honored as MTA Ed. Support Professional of the Year

Naomi Akan accepts a state citation from Senator Walter Timilty. (Kylee Sheehan photo)

Canton School Superintendent Derek Folan is pleased to share that Hansen staff member Naomi Akan has been named the 2022 Massachusetts Teachers Association Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year.

The award honors exceptional ESPs who demonstrate achievements in their field; leadership, creativity and innovation; professional growth that makes a difference for the school, students and community; advocacy for public education; and involvement in the community.

Akan has worked for over five years at the Hansen School as an applied behavior analysis (ABA) tutor. She serves as a building representative for the Canton Teachers Association and is an active member of the Canton Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (CDEI). She is proud of her Canadian and Nigerian roots, and her path to U.S. citizenship was celebrated by the school community when Akan’s students attended her citizenship ceremony.

“Naomi is a genuine and passionate educator, and brings joy to our Hansen students and staff,” Folan said. “She has made Hansen Elementary, our district and our community a better place, and she is everything we look for in an educator. I am so grateful to have Naomi as part of our district and sincerely congratulate her on this incredible honor.”

Akan was recognized during a surprise ceremony held last Tuesday at Hansen with many colleagues, special guests and Hansen students present. She was surprised with the recognition by Principal David Brauninger, and a number of speakers recognized her work within the schools and the Canton community.

Akan was nominated by Hansen teacher and current Massachusetts director on the National Education Association (NEA) Board Yan Yii.

“[Naomi] fights tirelessly for our members and advocates for our students, and while she’s doing this, she’s participating in equity work in our district,” Yii said. “Not only is she an amazing ABA tutor for Canton, she’s engaged in equity work through CFED and the DEI program, and she started and Afro dance troupe in our school that inspires students to celebrate their African heritage. She dives into the work in school, in the [teachers] union, and in the community, and dedicates herself so selflessly to so many others.”

Akan was described by her colleagues as a dedicated, vibrant presence in the classroom who is an invaluable resource to teachers and students alike.

“In her position, [Akan] works with a particular student or two; however, every student knows, loves and benefits from having Ms. A in their room as I have for a few years,” retired Hansen teacher Patty Willis said. “Naomi is enthusiastic and upbeat. She focuses on kindness, inclusion, and being proud of who you are. She gets to know each and every student personally, and she is a role model for every student in the entire building.”

MTA President Merrie Najimy said Akan has played a critical role in leadership, noting her work to promote the MTA PreK-12 ESP Bill of Rights, which has led to real gains in working conditions and salaries for educators.

“She’s deeply committed in her work with her school system and community in encouraging greater understanding of racism, white supremacy, and the need for diversity in the educator workforce,” Najimy said. “As an MTA board member, she is part of a team that plans and facilitates board education around confronting issues of racism, white supremacy, class, and gender, so we can live true to our values to be an antiracist, social-justice-oriented union.”

Additional remarks were given by MTA Vice President Max Page, 2021 MTA ESP of the Year Susan Soares, CTA President Lauren Mahan, School Committee member Maureen Moran, State Rep. Bill Galvin, and State Senator Walter Timilty.

Akan was presented with citations from the Massachusetts House of Representatives and State Senate and also received flowers and balloons from two of her students.

Akan will be officially presented with the award at the annual MTA ESP Conference next month in Falmouth.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Apr 1 2022. Filed under News, Schools. Both comments and pings are currently closed.