Submitted
Mettawee Community School Principal Brooke DeBonis (second from left) proudly stands with three MCS faculty members who recently received teaching recognition: Patty Lea (far left), Stephanie Pierce (second from right) and Diane Mach Sutter (far right).
WEST PAWLET—Three Mettawee Community School teachers learned of their teaching recognition awards at the Bennington-Rutland Supervisory Union’s “Welcome Back” event held at the Manchester Elementary Middle School on Monday, Aug. 24. They are Diane Mach Sutter, a MCS fifth grade teacher this year; Stephanie Pierce, a first-second grade looping teacher; and sixth grade teacher Patty Lea.
Following the announcements, Mettawee Community School Principal Brooke DeBonis said, “Mettawee has devoted teachers who are always going above and beyond to support their students in the school. As we head into a new school year, we are fortunate to have three of our teachers be recognized for being fabulous educators.”
Diane Mach Sutter was recognized by the Bennington-Rutland Supervisory Union for her 25-plus years of teaching. DeBonis said, “She creates positive relationships with her students and is able to push them to be independent, motivated and kind learners. Diane has been devoted to our community for many years!”
Stephanie Pierce received the 2015 Teacher of the Year award from the Bennington-Rutland Supervisory Union. DeBonis commented, “The Mettawee Community School staff nominated Steph because of the hard work, creativity and amount of energy she puts into teaching our first and second graders. Stephanie has a growth mindset and is reflective, and always willing to try new things to be sure all her students are successful. Her students appreciate her engaging lessons, hands-on projects and well-planned units of study!”
Patty Lea received an UVM Outstanding Teacher Award for 2015. DeBonis said, “Patty is an outstanding teacher who is energetic, passionate and very engaging. She is a teacher leader that is involved in our Instructional Leadership Team, has assisted in curriculum work and is willing to try new approaches in her teaching. Patty takes the time and puts a lot of energy into creating a positive experience for her students!” Lea will join other UVM Outstanding Teachers for 2015 from around the State of Vermont at a ceremony later this Fall.
