Vermont Business Magazine The Agency of Education announced today that Elisabeth Kahn, a French and Spanish teacher at Main Street Middle School in Montpelier, is the 2020 Vermont Teacher of the Year. Kahn’s selection was announced at an all-school assembly. Kahn will begin her tenure as Vermont Teacher of the Year on January 1, 2020.
Also recognized were the 2020 Vermont Teacher of the Year Distinguished Finalists, Bethany Morrissey, an Elementary teacher at Salisbury Community School and Emily Therrien, a Grade 10 English and Social Studies teacher at Randolph Union High School.
Elisabeth Kahn, Main Street Middle School in Montpelier. www.mrpsvt.org photo
A middle school teacher in her bones, Elisabeth Kahn, who goes by Bibba, has taught in middle schools for more than twelve years. She developed and led student travel programs in Europe and Africa for Putney Student Travel. She brings grade 8 class on an annual trip to Quebec to use their skills in an authentic setting. Kahn works hard to get to know her students, aware of the power of relationships in reaching all learners.
“Bibba Kahn is a an inspiring teacher," said Secretary of Education Dan French. "She is a talented instructor who is focused on the success of her students. She is also a leader in her school and her district, working to help her colleagues implement new best practices. And she is focused on the big picture, passionate about the role of education to foster mutual respect and cultural competence. She will represent our state well at the national level as the Vermont Teacher of the Year."
“It is an honor to represent the hardworking, devoted educators of the state of Vermont,” said Kahn. “As 2020 Teacher of the Year, I am eager to shine a light on all of the great work happening in schools across Vermont. I am particularly excited to work with my colleagues around the state to identify ways to reach students currently struggling to overcome barriers to their education.”
"This award could not go to a more deserving professional,” said Montpelier-Roxbury Public Schools Superintendent Libby Bonesteel. “Bibba is an incredibly engaging teacher and the ultimate professional. MRPS is extremely lucky to have her in our family of educators."
“Main Street Middle School is incredibly proud that Bibba Kahn found her way back to Montpelier, VT five years ago,” said Main Street Middle School Principal Pam Arnold. “Several areas that stand out that describe Bibba's practice include how she proactively connects with students and families to build relationships to support achievement. She is highly reflective of her teaching practice and both seeks and welcomes feedback. She thinks deeply about her students and their learning. She is comfortable taking risks, particularly with exploring new and innovative instructional strategies that she feels may better meet the needs of all students. Bibba is by nature a collaborator. She works closely with her foreign language colleague, she is a member of the middle school's volunteer technology committee, a member of the teacher leadership team, and has initiated opportunities with her colleagues to discuss current issues and concerns around student access and potential barriers to learning. I am confident that as Vermont's Teacher of the Year Bibba will be an excellent ambassador for educators across our state as we work collectively to ensure that all students learn and achieve!”
Since 1964, the Agency of Education has recognized outstanding Vermont teachers through the Vermont Teacher of the Year award. As the 2020 Vermont Teacher of the Year, Kahn will travel statewide visiting schools and working with teachers. She is also Vermont’s candidate for the National Teacher of the Year award, sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). Kahn will represent Vermont in Washington, D.C. next spring for the National Teacher of the Year program. Learn more about the Teacher of the Year selection process on the agency’s Vermont Teacher of the Year webpage.
Bibba Kahn will also be honored at UVM’s Outstanding Teacher Day on Dec. 5, 2019. For nearly 40 years, UVM has annually recognized outstanding teachers throughout the state at a ceremonial event. Traditionally the event has honored educators from each supervisory union or school district, which are invited to nominate one teacher at the elementary or middle school level, one at the secondary level, and one at the technical center level.
Source: MONTPELIER, Vt. – Vermont Agency of Education 10.15.2019