Each year the Bennington-Rutland Supervisory Union (BRSU) selects two of their own for the University of Vermont (UVM) list of Outstanding Teachers. This award honors educators who best exemplify five standards of Vermont teaching: learning, professional knowledge, advocacy, colleagueship and accountability.
At the 2023 BRSU Annual All Staff Meeting, Mettawee’s Laura Aghajanian was recognized for her work as the school’s Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP). Also chosen for the statewide honor was fellow SLP, Lisa Marchinkoski, of The Dorset School.
The BRSU employs a formal process for selecting its nominees. Principals and senior staff recommend a short list of instructors for the UVM special designation. The final decision for the two BRSU recipients rests with Superintendent Randi Lowe.
In announcing her 2023 BRSU nominees for UVM Teacher of the Year, BRSU's Lowe spoke highly of Aghajanian’s patience, reliability, collaborative skills and ability to communicate with parents.
“Laura is sensitive when dealing with family concerns and is always dependable at responding to parents in a positive and informative way,” says Lowe. “In the past, she has mentored other SLP’s in the BRSU and is an active staff member who is there to help out when we need her support with challenging situations.”
Mettawee Community School Principal Brooke DeBonis wholeheartedly supports Aghajanian’s nomination. “Laura is an outstanding SLP, case manager and colleague,” says DeBonis. “Most importantly, she knows her students well and makes certain their needs are being met. I so appreciate Laura's dedication to our school.”
On Thursday, November 2nd, both Aghajanian and Marchinkoski will travel to the University of Vermont in Burlington to attend the Outstanding Educator Awards Event. At that gathering all nominated Vermont Outstanding teachers will be recognized on stage with the announcement of the Vermont Teacher of the Year made by Heather Bouchey, Interim Vermont Secretary of Education.