Franklin West Supervisory Union -

Each year, we recognize two Franklin West educators as our Educators of the Year. Recently, we introduced a new selection process in which educators are nominated by their peers. All nominees are then invited to share information with our EOY committee, highlighting their accomplishments and how they contribute to our FWSU mission and Action Plan. The committee, which includes the Educators of the Year from the past two years, two principals, and the Superintendent, reviews these applications and selects the recipients.

• Pam Farmer (GEMS Grade K Teacher)

  • "Pam has consistently provided guidance and a heartfelt connection with her students. Such exemplary effort has proven so successful that I rarely see the behaviors I experienced at the beginning of the year."
    

•  Melinda Carpenter (BFA HS Special Educator/LEA)

  • "Lindy is very committed to BFA and each one of her students. She is constantly supporting all of the new special educators with their duties while being an incredible case manager to her own students. She is quick to reach out to parents and guardians whenever she needs to and is fantastic at collaborating with teachers in the building. She knows her students well and helps teachers differentiate to their needs. Lindy is also just a kind presence to have at the high school and a real team player."
    

• Kelsey Fink (BFA HS Mathematics Teacher)

  • "Kelsey Fink is both an excellent colleague to work with, as well as, an excellent teacher for students. She is the epitome of a belief in what is possible because she believes that all students can learn math at high standards and she both holds students to high standards and works tirelessly to support them to get there.  In the classroom, Kelsey provides flexible learning opportunities for her students, scaffolding new learning and providing engaging activities that allow students to connect and extend their learning."
    

• Jojo Lynch (BFA Grade 1/2 Teacher)

  • "It is clear that Jojo believes it is her duty to provide each of her students with what they need to be successful. She understands each of her students' needs and seeks resources when more is needed or a different approach is required. She becomes an advocate for all of her students whether it's seeking more academic or behavioral help, or opportunities for enrichment activities.  She has a unique ability to not only understand academic needs but also provide students with a safe, fun, and engaging learning environment."
    

• Joe Emery (BFA HS Social Studies Teacher)

  • "From the first day of team teaching with Joe Emery it was clear to me that he saw the potential in every one of BFA’s students, and that he was prepared to do the hard work of finding resources and creating ways for each of them to access their best level of skills. I know of few others in the high school, since then, who have done so much through collaboration and sheer perseverance to make PBL more than a nod at student agency. He’s created exemplary resources that can be used across disciplines, introduced high-standard practices that can transform a classroom, and provided unique, engaging experiences for students that stimulate, entertain, and teach at the same time. I’ve regularly witnessed his students bubbling with excitement about an assignment they’re working on for his class. "
    

• Jesse Gaudette (BFA HS Flexible Pathways Coordinator)

  • "Jesse Gaudette is the living and breathing version of a belief in what is possible. He took an almost non-existent Flexible Pathways program and has turned it into a robust, vibrant, and integral part of the high school in just two years.  Students are rarely told no by Mr. Gaudette; he works tirelessly to help students find the most appropriate online class or technical program for them. He helps students find work-based learning opportunities and ensures students can earn the necessary proficiencies through these experiences. Jesse has created and hosted two successful Career Days where students hear from locals about their career pathways and what it takes to have a job in their particular industry."
    

• Emily Wills (BFA HS English Language Arts Teacher)

  • "I am constantly impressed with the lessons and the ways that Emily engages students.  Emily uses her experience to her advantage, knowing when to stop to discuss a vocabulary word with students, or how to design engaging activities and assignments that support students in digging deeper into character development or themes in a text. Emily has developed and taught a new and engaging course on Comparing Literature and Film which allows students to explore fiction and nonfiction, Stephen King and Charles Dickens. Emily is a leader among her colleagues and an important member of both grade-level and department teams."
    

• Andrianna Cousineau (FES Grade 2 Teacher)

  • "Andi brings energy and passion to each day she spends with her second graders. She is devoted to their growth and continuing to build upon the solid foundations they have received from our primary teaching team. In Andi's class, students know that they are cared for and they know the boundaries and expectations, making for a positive learning environment for all. Andi is an incredible teammate, supporting the MTSS work that is happening district-wide, and spreading sunshine for our team when there are celebrations to share."
    

• Alison Couture (BFA Grade 5/6 Social Studies Teacher)

  • "Alison is a wonderful teacher and colleague. She believes that all of her students are capable of success and sets high standards for kids to achieve. When it comes to her suggestions, teaching strategies, and general advice, her input is an invaluable resource.  She is also an active member of BFA's Leadership Team, working to make decisions that are beneficial to our learners, our staff members, and the overall well-being of our school community."

    
    

• Haley Christie (GEMS ES Literacy & Math Specialist)

  • "Haley transitioned into lead coordinator of our Prek-2 EST team this school year and has gone above and beyond to support students and staff. Haley is always student-centered in her thinking, thinking outside the box to offer strategies to teachers and staff to best support our students. Her role on the EST team ensures that our process runs efficiently.  She plays an integral part in our school climate, always willing to support others, whether that be filling in a role outside of her own, or providing support without being prompted."
    

• Jennifer Bockus (BFA ES Special Educator)

  • "Jennifer works hard to establish a working relationship and rapport with not only the students on her caseload but also the students’ families as well. If a meeting doesn’t go as smoothly as it could have and there is some disagreement or misunderstanding, Jennifer makes sure to follow up to determine the next steps. She ensures all members of the team have a voice, and facilitates meetings with ease."
    

• Logan St. Peter (GEMS Grade 8 Teacher)

  • "Logan has gone above and beyond this year for students as well as the new staff members on the 8th grade team. He has helped guide the new educators in learning the ropes at the school as well as holds his students to a high standard. He keeps his lessons engaging and students are often talking about what they have learned in social studies. He also is always there to lend a helping hand to a colleague in need, and is always looking out for the betterment of the team and school as a whole."
    

Thank you to each and every educator for your commitment to teaching and learning!