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DEPARTMENT
OF EDUCATION:
VERMONT TEACHER OF THE YEAR AND
OTHER EDUCATOR/PROGRAM RECOGNITION AWARDS
(Updated 4/4/08)
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This page contains Vermont Teacher of the Year and other educator awards as well as awards given in recognition of exceptional programs and activities taking place in Vermont's schools.
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ANNUAL VERMONT EDUCATOR RECOGNITION DINNER FOR 2008 (Added 4/4/08)
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The Vermont State Board of Education and the Department of Education hosted the First Annual Vermont Educator Recognition Dinner on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at the Capitol Plaza, Montpelier. Fifteen of Vermont’s top educators were recognized.
(Click graphic for larger view)
Front row, left to right: Joy Peterson, Allyn Kahle, Zohara Zarfati, Daniel Miller-Arsenault, Cathleen Butterfield, Sarah Squire (National Board Certified Teachers); Susan Hennessey (Milken Educator Award Winner)
Back row, left to right: Holly Kruse, Christopher Grantz, Caroline Grace, Nancy Kent (National Board Certified Teachers); Liz Mirra, Lisa Therrien, Laura Pratt (Presidential Scholar Finalists); Diane Bahrenburg (2008 Vermont Teacher of the Year) |
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VERMONT TEACHER OF THE YEAR FOR 2008
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The mission of the Vermont Teacher of the Year Program is to promote the profession and recognize the best teaching professionals who are implementing "best practices" within classrooms. Vermont’s recipient represents the many excellent teachers in our state.
Each year a teacher from Vermont’s education community is recognized as the Vermont Teacher of the Year. The Teacher of the Year is chosen through a thorough application and selection process. In accordance with national guidelines, Vermont chooses a candidate who is "dedicated and highly skilled, a candidate proven capable of inspiring students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn." Because the Teacher of the Year will be asked to travel, speak on behalf of education and demonstrate master teaching skills, the candidate must be poised, articulate and energetic in order to meet the demanding responsibilities.
Although the teacher will continue to teach full time during this year, s/he is available for speaking engagements and content consultations in her/his area of expertise when possible. The Vermont program is sponsored by Hannaford Supermarkets and the Vermont Department of Education. The Vermont Teacher of the Year also becomes a candidate for the National Teacher of the Year award. For more than 40 years our nation has honored teachers with the National Teacher of the Year Program. The National Teacher of the Year Program is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers and sponsored by ING Foundation.
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 Vermont Teacher of the Year for 2008: Diane Bahrenburg, Colchester High School
Diane is an English teacher and forensics coach at Colchester High School.
Diane moved to Vermont from her home state, Minnesota, in 1979 and – other than two years at The International School of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – has taught in Colchester ever since.
In addition to teaching and learning from her young readers, writers, and thinkers at CHS, she is currently an adjunct instructor of TASS (Teaching All Secondary Schools) for the Vermont Higher Education Collaborative at Missisquoi Valley Union High School. She is a Vermont Fellow of The National Writing Project, has served as a Vermont Writing Portfolio Network Leader, and has coached three varsity sports.
Currently, Diane team-teaches a heterogeneous humanities course (English & social studies) entitled The Asian Experience in which ninth graders study the same core concepts choosing their own challenge level based on their readiness, learning styles and interest. She and her students invite you into their classroom to observe differentiated instruction in action.
Other awardees for 2007: |
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 Alternate:
Kirsten Belrose teaches 5th and 6th graders at Swanton Elementary School. |
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Finalist:
Constance Lowe teaches 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders at Barre Technical Center & Spaulding High School Campus. |
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Hannaford Brothers Company is a partner with the Vermont Department of Education in sponsoring the state’s Teacher of the Year program. The company helps support a dinner to celebrate the excellent work of many teachers in Vermont. Hannaford also will provide cash awards to the Teacher of the Year and this year’s alternate and finalist. These awards may be used for professional development or classroom enrichment.
- Recognition Ceremony for State and National Teachers of the Year
On April 26, 2007, a program honoring state Teachers of the Year from across the country was hosted by President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. The ceremony took place in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C. View pictures of Vermont's 2007 Teacher of the Year, Kathleen Sullivan.
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Vermont Teacher of the Year Nomination Form & Application Form for 2009
The nomination and application process for 2009 is closed. Forms for the 2010 cycle will be available in early 2010. The following forms are available for informational purposes:
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MILKEN EDUCATOR AWARDS
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The Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards program provides public recognition and financial rewards to elementary and secondary schoolteachers, principals and other education professionals who are furthering excellence in education. By honoring outstanding educators, the program strives to attract, develop, motivate and retain talented people to the challenge and adventure of teaching. For more information, visit mff.org.
2007 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award for Vermont
Susan Hennessey, a media literacy specialist at Harwood Union High School in Duxbury, was surprised October 29, 2007 at an all-school assembly with a $25,000 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award by Commissioner Cate and Jim Douglas.
A former English teacher, Hennessey’s role at Harwood has evolved in recent years to focus on educating Harwood’s, and the state’s, students utilizing 21st century skills and tools. Currently serving as the school library media specialist, Hennessey has “transformed the library from a simple research/literacy location into a dynamic, busy hub of curricular development and technological innovation and implementation,” said Pierson. A 12-year veteran of education in Vermont, Hennessey also serves on the Vermont Professional Development Network with state Department of Education staff providing professional development to other high school literacy educators.
Milken Family Foundation National Educator Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Award Nomination Form for 2008
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Nomination Form for 2008
Complete a separate form for each individual including a one-page letter explaining how this person meets the criteria outlined in this letter. Include a resume for each recommendation. NOTE: Nominations for the 2008 Milken Educator Award can be accepted at any time through June 30, 2008. Nomination forms may also be downloaded in the following formats and completed using a word-processing application:
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For more information on the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards in Vermont, please contact Jill Remick at (802) 828-3154 or jill.remick@state.vt.us. |
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Department of Education
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