Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Education announced today that Susan Rosato, an English Learner (EL) Teacher at Colchester High School in Colchester, is the 2021 Vermont Teacher of the Year. Rosato will begin her tenure as Vermont Teacher of the Year on January 1, 2021.
Also recognized is the 2021 Vermont Teacher of the Year Runner Up Elizabeth Nolan, Music Teacher at Edmunds Elementary School and Distinguished Finalists Rebecca Ebel, Special Education Teacher at Vergennes Union High School, and Lauralee Wilson, Math Coach at Georgia Elementary and Middle School.
Colchester High School photo of Susan Rosato
Susan Rosato has taught English Learners in the Colchester School District for more than 15 years. To accommodate increasing enrollment and needs of EL students in Colchester, she was instrumental in growing the program from her initial position as one of two part-time EL teachers covering the entire district to three full-time and one part-time teacher.
Rosato currently serves as EL teacher for Grades 9-12 at Colchester High School. She collaborates with classroom teachers, guidance counselors, social workers and administrators to teach English Learners, who are often New Americans, and support them and their families as they navigate the education system and community life in Colchester.
“Sue Rosato is a passionate advocate for equity in education. Her creativity in helping students access the educational pathways that will make the greatest impact on their lives makes her a leading example of the critical work educators are doing statewide for our students.” said Dan French, Vermont Secretary of Education. “As our Teacher of the Year, Ms. Rosato will represent Vermont’s teachers on the national stage, and I know she will do so admirably. Her work over the course of her career is a strong reminder of both the power of an individual educator to change lives and the importance of systemic changes to improve education for all students.”
“Sue's ability to build meaningful and lasting relationships with students affords her a deep understanding of what it takes to support students as they learn the English language and acclimate to the culture of school in America,” said Amy Minor, Superintendent of Schools for Colchester School District. “She values every student’s story, both what got them to her classroom and the part that is yet to be told. Between curriculum and classroom lessons, translating documents, cheering for her students on the soccer field, communicating with families, coordinating summer school programs, and always welcoming her students at the door with a smile, Sue works tirelessly to ensure her students and their families feel safe, supported and represented in our schools.”
“We are honored to have Sue represent Colchester High School and Vermont as the 2021 Vermont Teacher of the Year,” said Heather Baron, Principal of Colchester High School. “She is a committed educator who works tirelessly to ensure her EL students succeed at CHS. Her passion for her work and her advocacy for what is best for her students is something we should all strive for.”
Since 1964, the Agency of Education has recognized outstanding Vermont teachers through the Vermont Teacher of the Year award. As the 2021 Vermont Teacher of the Year, Ms. Rosato will serve as an advocate for the teaching profession, education and students. She is also Vermont’s candidate for the 2021 National Teacher of the Year award, sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). Ms. Rosato will represent Vermont next spring for the National Teacher of the Year program, typically held in Washington D.C.
Susan Rosato will also be honored at the University of Vermont’s Outstanding Teacher Day, tentatively scheduled for April 2021. For 40 years, UVM has annually recognized outstanding teachers throughout the state at a ceremonial event. The event honors 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: COLCHESTER, Vt. - Vermont Agency of Education 10.15.2020