Erika Monaghan & Jaime Fries Receive 2024 Vermont Outstanding Educator Award

Congratulations to CVSD’s Erika Monaghan and Jaime Fries, who both earned the 2024 Vermont Outstanding Educator Award from UVM last week.

Erika teaches English to K-8 Multilingual Learners at Shelburne Community School, and Jaime has worked as a Special Educator at CVU for nearly a decade. The award, a collaboration between the College of Education and Social Services, Vermont supervisory unions and school districts, the Agency of Education and the Vermont NEA, celebrates our state’s outstanding educators.

In nominating and sharing the news of these awards, Erika and Jaime’s colleagues wrote the following:

Jaime is an indefatigable advocate for students. Her positive manner and steadfast commitment to each student fosters student engagement and success. She is always willing to listen and problem-solve, no matter who comes through her office door. She has cultivated a safe, welcoming space at CVU that celebrates the unique differences, strengths, and talents of every student. She is an exceptional educator who strives to make the world of education better for learners!

Erika consistently goes above, beyond, and outside of the school day to make sure her multilingual students’ needs are met and that they feel a sense of belonging in our community. On any given day, she’s just as likely be found out on the soccer field cheering her students on or visiting one of their families at their homes as she is leading engaging activities in the classroom or working hand-in-hand with her colleagues. Erika is a productive problem solver, a passionate life-long learner, and a fierce advocate for all kids.

Congratulations, Jaime and Erika!