Congratulations to Marina Brzostoski for being recognized as this year's UVM Outstanding Educator!
We were able to catch up with Marina for a quick Q&A:
Q: What do you teach?
MB: I am a Multilingual Learner Teacher at the Center for Technology, Essex
Q: How long have you taught?
MB: I graduated from a teacher-training college in Estonia in 2001 and have taught EFL, ESL, and preschool in Estonia, the UK, and the USA since then.
Q: How long have you been at CTE?
MB: I moved to Vermont in 2010. That's when I became the first full-time ESL Teacher at a Vermont technical center, as CTE administrators recognized the need for specialized support for the growing population of culturally and linguistically diverse learners early on. Over the years, I have developed a new program for multilingual students studying at CTE, including English classes, in-person program support, and teacher PD. I have co-developed and co-taught professional development courses for teachers supporting MLs.
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to share?
MB: As a first-generation American, I am fortunate to be recognized for my work in the U.S. public schools. I am grateful for CTE principals' support of multilingual learners.
"Marina is always professional and goes above and beyond to come up with new programming for students, staff, and community members alike. She is an ever-consistent, emotional, and present part of our teaching staff and community. She is incredibly humble and does things because it's the right thing for the community she serves. Students know they can always go to her for extra support and a lot of patience, but not only does she assist them, she encourages students to develop skills for themselves."
Every year, the College of Education and Social Services at the University of Vermont, together with Vermont supervisory unions and school districts, the Vermont Agency of Education, and the Vermont NEA, join to honor the accomplishments of our state’s outstanding educators.
Our EWSD teachers will be formally celebrated during the 44th annual UVM Outstanding Educator Awards in November at the Grand Maple Ballroom of Dudley H. Davis Center.