Gilbert Maull named Cape support professional of the year

Rehoboth Elementary paraeducator Gilbert Maull said his coworkers in the first-grade pod, many of whom are past teachers of the year, make his job easy.

“I’m surrounded by some great teachers,” he said. “They make me a better person; I have learned something from all of them. If you think about it, they made me who I am.”

For 28 years, Maull has helped mold young elementary students into contributing members of society. He said it’s rewarding to see former students as adults now dropping off their own kids at school in the morning.

“They know they don’t have to worry, knowing their kids are well taken care of,” he said. “That’s more rewarding to me than money. Kids never forget. When you plant that seed, they always remember you.”

For his outstanding service and work with students, Maull was named the 2024 Educational Support Person of the Year for the Cape Henlopen School District. He said he was surprised to be named the Rehoboth Elementary winner, and to be named the district winner was overwhelming.

“I was blown away,” he said, noting he usually likes to fly under the radar. “As long as the kids know I’m here for them, that’s perfect.”

Maull said he loves working with first-graders because he can really reach them at that age. This new generation of kids is very observant and holds adults accountable, and respects adults who do the same, he said.

“They look up to you for that guidance, that’s the rewarding part of it,” he said.

In addition to his work at Rehoboth Elementary, Maull was also a longtime Cape High and middle school football and track and field coach. Born and raised in Lewes, he is a 1977 Cape High grad who said the fact that many families are moving to the Cape Region for their children’s education says a lot about the district.

The Delaware State Educational Support Professional of the Year program is administered annually by the Delaware Department of Education, which recognizes outstanding service by school employees who provide direct or indirect services to students and their families. 

Employees considered for the award include paraprofessionals, custodial staff, secretaries, nutritional staff, school- and district-employed bus drivers and bus aides, and IT support staff. 

Each district winner receives a $2,000 personal award from their district. State winners receive an additional $3,000 personal award from DOE and $5,000 to be used for the educational benefit of their students.

The state winner will be announced at the Educational Support Professional of the Year celebration Tuesday, Dec. 5, in Dover.