Vermont Academy, a leading private boarding school in southern Vermont, announced today that Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow Kara Pezzi has joined Vermont Academy as science department chair and leader of Vermont Academy's STEM program (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).
As a distinguished educator with 20+ years of experience, professional chemist, and science leader, Pezzi is responsible for coordinating the joint efforts of Vermont Academy's administration and faculty as they plan for a new, state-of-the-art Academic Center , designed to educate the 21st century student in all STEM-related disciplines.
"Vermont Academy has always had strong roots in STEM, and we're thrilled to have someone of Kara's caliber on board to take our STEM education to the next level," said Head of School Sean P. Brennan. "Her dedication and passion for her students fit perfectly with Vermont Academy's mission and student-centered culture."
Vermont Academy's new Academic Center will enhance collaboration by providing spacious classrooms, cutting edge equipment, and a stimulating environment to enable students and faculty to work together on cross-discipline projects. The building will also include wet and dry labs, flexible classrooms, and large and small conference and project rooms.
"Every child is a natural scientist, where each day b rings something new to be incorporated into her or his unique understanding of how things work," said Pezzi. "A rigorous education that integrates STEM with the arts and humanities gives students a broad background to confidently follow numerous paths through life."
Pezzi is a proponent of what she calls 'minds-on and hands-on education.' Students love what they can do in a lab-chemical reactions, explosions, color changes -- but it's only magic to them and not learning. An example of minds-on is the thought process of what is actually happening with the chemicals at an atomic and molecular level. Students must understand and be able to explain what's going on to predict other outcomes in a variety of situations in the future.
"The feeling of community at Vermont Academy and their open desire to want to do better -- especially if it will benefit the student -- really struck a chord," said Pezzi. "I look forward to partnering with administration and faculty to bring our ideas to fruition and uphold Vermont Academy's tradition of excellence."
Founded in 1876, Vermont Academy (VA) is a coed, college preparatory boarding and day school located in Southern Vermont and serving 250+ students in grades 9-12 and a postgraduate year. VA's main campus is situated in Saxtons River VT, with campuses abroad in Spain, Chile, and China. VA offers robust academics including an AP curriculum, STEM, Writing Center, and Learning Skills support. Activities include 20+ interscholastic athletics, performing and visual arts, and an Outdoor Program focusing on wilderness-skills training and rock climbing. Situated on 450 acres, VA's campus includes a ski hill and 20+ miles of hiking and biking trails.
MAPS™ (My Action Plan for Success) is a working document developed by each student with feedback and support from his or her advisor, teachers, coaches, and parents. The document encompasses several areas, including student self-assessments of strengths and areas for growth, learning preferences, and goal setting with action steps for success. Vermont Academy's unique MAPS program is the bridge that carries students across a broad, yet individual, range of abilities, challenges, and interests.