“Teachers, I believe, are the most responsible and important members of society because their professional efforts affect the fate of the earth.” – Helen Caldicott, author and peace activist

The 39th Annual Vermont Outstanding Teachers Recognition Day is being held on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at the Grand Maple Ballroom in the Davis Center at the University of Vermont. This ceremony is held to thank outstanding teachers and publicly honor them for educating the next generation – each day helping them to be smarter, more creative, and more humane. To recognize the long hours, the patience, the perseverance, and passion defining their important work, and to honor them for their commitment, their successes as well as their trials, and the powerful impact they have on the children of Vermont and our future.

Honored at this ceremony will be our GEMS Teacher of the Year. Math Specialist, Lauralee Wilson. A leader among her colleagues, Lauralee has taught at the Georgia Elementary School for the past 17 years engaging students to become mathematicians, problem solvers, and respectful members of every learning community. As a true advocate for children, Lauralee’s approach takes into consideration the whole child; socially, emotionally, and academically. Lauralee is a valued educator within our community across all facets of her work and she is a proven GEM!

Lauralee’s colleagues had the following things to say about her:
“She demonstrates the qualities that our school promotes. Lauralee is very respectful to adults and students, she is very responsible about her lesson planning, and she works well as a team member. She is also very positive, calm and flexible.”
“Lauralee is amazing to collaborate with. She truly knows the meaning of what it means to be a team player.”
“Her passion for teaching is contagious. Every time Lauralee enters the classroom students are immediately interested and engaged in her math instruction. Every day, she is able to set each child up for success and helps all students feel valued, regardless of their math ability. Lauralee is a constant source of inspiration to be the best educator one can be. She is not only a superb math instructor and teacher, but also has a genuine love for the children, enthusiasm for teaching and a bright disposition toward all things.”
“She is positive , calm, and flexible”
“”Students always come first”
“She has a wonderful sense of humor”


Steve Emery is the Elementary Principal of Georgia Elementary Middle School. He is a regular contributor to THE FWSU STORY.