VERGENNES/FERRISBURGH — The University of Vermont offers the opportunity that an educator chosen by each school district in Vermont be recognized at UVM Outstanding Teacher Day in 2018. Each fall UVM recognizes outstanding teachers throughout the state through a ceremonial event, which this year will take place Oct. 1. Each participating supervisory union or school district can nominate two teachers and one technical center teacher. All outstanding teachers are recognized by their peers, administrators, parents and/or students as exemplifying across the Vermont Core Teaching Standards.
This year’s nominees for UVM Outstanding Teacher of the Year from Addison Northwest School District are Stacy Valcourt from Ferrisburgh Central School and Melissa Muzzy from Vergennes Union High School. Stacy Valcourt has been giving her heart and soul to educating students with learning challenges for 18 years as part of the ANWSD community. School administrators say Valcourt always puts the needs of her students first. She is consistently pursuing new trainings within the field of Special Education so her students have the latest access interventions that will help them meet their individual learning needs.
Valcourt has been described as an outstanding mentor and role model for peers and students; she also brings infectious energy and enthusiasm every day to the ANWSD community. She inspires her students and colleagues to be the best that they can be and is always willing to help others and continue to try new methods to meet the needs of all learners. Meanwhile, school officials say Melissa Muzzy is an exemplary teacher. She plans and prepares diligently for every class. As a result, her lessons and activities are thoughtful and engaging. Muzzy, who works in the middle school, instills a passion for science, she personalizes, she has an open mindset and continues to grow as a teacher — she tries new things, she is patient, she’s interactive, she inspires kids to go on and study more science, she knows kids and plays to their strengths while helping them recognize and address their weaknesses. Most of all, Muzzy’s supervisors say, she makes kids realize that they are special.