Caitlin MacLeod-Bluver teaches students to read critically, write bravely and find their voice
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Education announced today that Caitlin MacLeod-Bluver, of Winooski High School, is the 2025 Vermont Teacher of the Year. Caitlin will officially start her role as Teacher of the Year on January 1, 2025.
Also recognized are the 2025 Distinguished Finalists for Vermont Teacher of the Year: Jeremy DeMink of Edmunds Middle School and Sonya Shedd of Wolcott Elementary School.
Caitlin has been teaching at Winooski High School for six years, and 14 years in total. As a history teacher, English teacher, and reading specialist, she creates powerful, culturally responsive learning environments where students feel respected, valued, and encouraged to embrace their full identities.
“I am proud to recognize Caitlin as Vermont’s Teacher of the Year,” said Interim Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders. “Caitlin’s ability to inspire, challenge, and uplift her students makes her an exceptional educator and a true leader in the field. We are proud to honor her, and we look forward to the impact she will continue to have on Vermont's students and educators.”
Before working in Winooski, Caitlin taught in Boston and Juneau. In Boston, Caitlin worked with refugee and immigrant students and continues to draw on that experience to center multilingual learning in Winooski. She designs curriculum that reflects her students’ diverse backgrounds through history lessons focused on the countries many of Winooski students call home and English lessons featuring authors of color.
"Caitlin exemplifies exceptional talent and dedication in education said Co-Principal Jean Berthiaume. “Her genuine care for students, coupled with her profound knowledge of best practices and the critical importance of literacy, makes her a remarkable educator and a true asset to her community."
In addition to teaching, Caitlin is an instructional coach and part-time lecturer at the University of Vermont. She holds a BA from Wesleyan University and a Master of Education from UMass Boston. She also has an Advanced Certificate in Literacy and Language from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Health Professions and an Advanced Certificate in Leadership from the Peronne-Sizer Institute for Creative Leadership. She was a National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, a NOAA planetary steward, and a National Geographic Summer Institute fellow.
“Caitlin embodies the best of our Winooski Schools and, by extension, the best of the state of Vermont’” said Superintendent of Winooski School District Wilmer Chavarria. “I cannot think of anyone more deserving than her to be called Teacher of the Year."
As Vermont’s Teacher of the Year, Caitlin will focus on the strength of students and student voices. Every day she helps students understand the complexities of the world around them through reading and writing. Caitlin aims to empower her students through learning environments where students can collaborate, refine their ideas, and express their views and opinions.
About the Teacher of the Year Program
Since 1964, the Agency of Education has recognized outstanding Vermont teachers through the Vermont Teacher of the Year award. As the 2025 Vermont Teacher of the Year, Caitlin will serve as an advocate for the teaching profession, education and students. Caitlin will represent Vermont next spring for the National Teacher of the Year program, which includes events in Washington, D.C.
Caitlin will also be honored at the University of Vermont’s Outstanding Teacher Day, which will be held in November. For 40 years, UVM has annually recognized outstanding teachers throughout the state. 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.
About the Vermont Agency of Education
The Agency of Education implements state and federal laws, policies, and regulations to ensure all Vermont learners have equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities. The Agency accomplishes this mission through the provision of its leadership, support, and oversight of Vermont’s public education system.
Source: 9.30.2024. Winooski, Vt.- The Vermont Agency of Education. Connect with the Vermont Agency of Education education.vermont.gov.
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