Subject: ELL (English Language Learners)

Hello! I’m Courtney Power-Freeman and am thrilled to be the ELL teacher at ADL.

I’ve been an educator since 2001, during which I’ve guided toddlers through adults in learning. More importantly, I’ve been a learner and seeker my entire life. The most relevant experience I have in being an ELL teacher is that I’ve been and continue to be a language learner. This insight helps me connect, build relationships, and advocate for students learning languages, regardless of the language. 

While living in Austin, I obtained my undergraduate and graduate degree from The University of Texas, began teaching in public schools filled with English language learners, and grew my family. Eventually I found myself teaching in a dual language classroom where everyone was learning in English and Spanish, including myself and my children, as this was their local elementary school. I was fortunate to follow multiple passions while teaching there, including math, technology, and social justice. 

You will often find me hiking, skiing, sailing and gardening during different seasons of the year. We live in Williston, where my children attend Williston Central School and CVU, and my husband works at home with our three pets.

Subject: Math Specialist

I’ve been a middle level educator since 2011. I graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in Middle Level Education and a minor in Special Education. Upon graduation I taught science at Otter Valley Union High School. I joined our amazing ADL community in 2014 as a math and science teacher. In 2018 I graduated from the Vermont Mathematics Initiative. My action research for VMI was focused on the importance of proportional reasoning within the middle level and prioritizing those high leverage concepts. I am currently pursuing a Post-Graduate Certificate in Mathematical Leadership through VMI, and look forward to applying my learning to my role as Math Specialist.

In addition to math, I have participated in Restorative Justice trainings around Chittenden County and help facilitate restorative practices at ADL. I love the energy and enthusiasm middle school students bring to our classrooms on a daily basis and firmly believe all students are capable of learning high quality mathematics. 

Outside of school hours I help coach girls basketball at Essex High School, and can be found at most UVM men’s basketball games. Beyond school and basketball, my husband and I have two young boys that keep us on our toes. We love time together with friends and family and exploring beautiful Vermont. 

 Subject: Literacy Intervention Specialist

Hello! I’m Jennifer Rousseau and I am thrilled to be a Literacy Intervention Specialist at ADL.

I have been an educator since 2003, during which time I’ve taught elementary, middle, and college level students.  The Literacy Intervention Specialist position is a perfect blend of my passion for literacy and my desire to foster learning environments where all students are empowered, challenged, and supported so they can meet high expectations.  I am passionate about ensuring that students gain the fundamental literacy skills required for navigating and reading texts to be successful in all content areas.  I truly love this work!  

I hold a Doctorate in Education from the University of Vermont, received my Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York, and studied abroad in New Zealand while earning my Bachelor’s degree from Plattsburgh State University.  Outside of my career, what brings me the most joy is exploring and enjoying the outdoors with my son Henri (9) - be it while we sail on Lake Champlain, as we walk the creek in Jericho, while we bike the Colchester Causeway, or as we ski Bolton and Smuggs.  

Teaching and living in Vermont is the dream!

Subject: Literacy Specialists

I am so excited to be joining the ADL academic community. For the past eight years, I have been a middle school language arts teacher for grades 6-8 in Holderness, NH, and before that, I worked for two years as a middle school Title I reading specialist. As you can see, I started in middle school and never left! Every year I am inspired by middle school students’ tenacity and curiosity. Their questions push me to be a stronger teacher, and their sense of humor makes me excited to come to school each day. 

When I am not in the classroom, you will find me wandering somewhere in the forest exploring new places with my husband and two children. I also enjoy gardening and paddling in the nearby lakes and rivers during the warmer months.