Every year, we honor two Franklin West educators as our Educators of the Year. Last year, we implemented a new process for selecting our recipients. Educators are nominated by their peers for consideration. All nominees are invited to share information with our committee which describes their accomplishments and their connection to our FWSU mission and Action Plan. The committee (the Educators of the Year from the previous two years, two principals, and me) meets to discuss the applications and make selections.
While the committee will ultimately narrow the field down to two recipients, we want to recognize all of the nominees as well as share a few words from their nominator:
Linnea Jahn, BFA Counselor
“She is caring, dedicated and frequently works above and beyond for our students. She supports students in their future and encourages them to be their best.”
Alana Torraca, BFA World Language
“She knows that every student is capable of learning another language if they apply themselves, and will seek out those students who need extra time to complete things just because she knows it is possible. She makes her space the most engaging possible”
Jennifer Kalbfleisch, BFA ES Teacher
Provides a level of understanding while expanding the knowledge and needs to the students in her classroom. She participates in other activities of the arts, and makes herself available where assistance is needed.
Erin Young, GEMS Grade 1
“Erin goes above and beyond to be an innovative teacher for her students. She is incredibly flexible and adapts her environment and her teaching to keep learning exciting and fun for her students.”
Eve Thorsen, BFA HS English
“She holds students to high standards while also being able to maximize their ability on a personal level. I have seen a flexible learning environment and highlighting personal learning for all students. I have been impressed with how she has created student leaders”
Heather Brown, BFA MS Math
“Provides a level of understanding while expanding the knowledge and needs to the students in her classroom. She participates in other activities of the arts, and makes herself available where assistance is needed.”
Tammy Boissoneault, BFA ES Teacher
“She takes on new challenges with an open mindset, and her classroom is truly student-centered. She provides students with engaging opportunities, and she consistently builds in student choice. Tammy is a reflective educator who is always looking for ways to hone her practice.”
Nancy Hurt, Fletcher Grade 1 Teacher
“Great teacher. So knowledgeable and willing to advance her own skills to be the best teacher for the students.”
Andrianna Cousineau, Fletcher Grade 2 Teacher
“Smart, fair, kind and loves to teach students to excel.”
Laura Heil, BFA HS Science
“Laura is able to differentiate her lessons and assignments in a way that still challenges each student while allowing them to ultimately succeed. She encourages students to persevere through obstacles and provides them with the appropriate level of support.”
Patrick Clow GEMS Tech Integrationist
“He is always looking to improve or expand opportunities for students, and to that end, he frequently challenges the status quo. He has put a great deal of effort into supporting teachers, advocating for students, implementing various technologies, and designing curriculum.”
The Franklin West Educators of the Year will be announced in May. They provide a welcome back message at FWSU Convocation in August as well as attend a recognition ceremony at the University of Vermont in the fall. They also serve on the selection committee for the next two years.
Congratulations to all of our Franklin West nominees.
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John Tague
Superintendent