Proctor Teacher Named 2027 Vermont Teacher of the Year

Proctor, Vt. - The Vermont Agency of Education announced today that Linda McCuen, an English teacher and literacy coordinator at Proctor Junior/Senior High School, has been named the 2027 Vermont Teacher of the Year. McCuen will officially begin her yearlong role on January 1, 2027.

Dawn Walls-Thumma from Coventry Village School and Pamela Dow from Moretown Elementary were also recognized as Distinguished Finalists.

Linda and the other finalists will be honored at the 46th annual UVM Outstanding Educator Awards on Wednesday, November 4th at the Dudley H. Davis Center in Burlington at 4:00 pm.

McCuen has spent 23 years teaching in Vermont schools, including 10 years at Proctor Junior/Senior High School and 13 years at Fair Haven Union High School. Throughout her career, she has combined English and literacy instruction with opportunities for students to connect their learning to their communities and the world around them.

"I believe every student can improve, and our job as educators is to help students discover that for themselves," said LindaMcCuen. "Students need voice, choice and challenge. They need to feel like they are part of something, and they need opportunities to take risks, try something difficult and see the impact of their work."

At Proctor, McCuen created a Service Learning course that gives students opportunities to turn their classroom learning into community projects. Her students have helped maintain trails at Rutland's Pine Hill Park and designed and built a StoryWalk in the Proctor Town Forest. Students planned the project, presented it to town leaders, helped construct the displays and led younger students through the forest to read the stories aloud.

"At the core of Linda's teaching is her unwavering belief that literacy is both a personal gateway and a communal bridge," said Proctor Junior/Senior High School PrincipalJennifer McLemore. "She brings this belief to life through innovative, place-based initiatives such as the town's Story Walk-an inspired project that merges literature, movement, and community engagement. Not only did Linda build a bike and walking trail in the town with her course, Service Learning and Literature, but she also reimagined how families and individuals encounter reading, turning the path into a story trail."

McCuen also serves as Proctor's literacy coordinator, where she developed a schoolwide literacy plan and works with educators across grade levels and content areas to strengthen reading and writing instruction. Her work has also included professional development, mentoring and coaching for colleagues.

McCuen encourages students to challenge themselves both inside and outside the classroom. Her students have opportunities to participate in Poetry Out Loud, Advanced Placement English courses, service learning and outdoor activities including biking, canoeing and cross-country skiing. She sees these experiences as opportunities for students to build confidence, deepen their learning and develop connections with their communities.

"Linda's work exemplifies what we mean by giving Vermont students both roots and wings," said Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders. "She helps students build strong connections to their school and community while encouraging them to take on challenges and see themselves as capable contributors beyond the classroom. Her commitment to literacy, student voice and community connection demonstrates the kind of learning environment we want for every Vermont student ."

McCuen's work has been recognized throughout her career. She was named the 2025 Vermont Council of Literacy John T. Poeton Award recipient, the 2025 Greater Rutland County Supervisory Union UVM Outstanding Educator and the 2025 Proctor High School Teacher of the Year. She previously received UVM Outstanding Educator recognition and was named Teacher of the Year by the Addison-Rutland Supervisory Union in 2006 and 2009.

"I'm incredibly proud of Linda and thrilled to see her named the 2027 Vermont Teacher of the Year" said Superintendent Chis Sell. "Linda represents the very best of public education, and we are fortunate to have her at Proctor Junior/Senior High School and as part of our community. She is deeply committed to her students and works hard to make learning meaningful, engaging, and connected to the world beyond the classroom. Linda also gives so much to her colleagues, sharing her knowledge, supporting their work, and helping strengthen our schools. Her impact extends far beyond her classroom, and this recognition reflects the difference she makes every day. Linda has earned this honor, and I couldn't be happier to see her work celebrated across Vermont."

As Vermont Teacher of the Year, McCuen will serve as an ambassador for the teaching profession and an advocate for students and educators across the state. She will have opportunities throughout the year to share her experiences, connect with educators and highlight effective practices happening in Vermont classrooms.

Since 1964, the Agency of Education has recognized outstanding Vermont teachers through the Vermont Teacher of the Year award. As the 2027 Vermont Teacher of the Year, Linda will serve as an advocate for the teaching profession, education and students. Linda will represent Vermont next spring for the National Teacher of the Year program, which includes events in Washington, D.C.