 | Angel Burke, Co-Chair– Angel is a recovering English teacher; after 18 years in the classroom at Kearsarge Regional High School and Bow High School, she transitioned to a role as the Academic Coordinator for Teaching and Learning in Laconia. Working with teachers in grades 6-12, she facilitated professional development, a transition to personalized-competency based learning, and curriculum development. Currently, she is the Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for the Mascoma Valley Regional School District in Enfield. She attended PSU where she completed her CAGS in 2015. |
 | Collette Flanders, Co-Chair– Collette is currently an educator in the Bow School District. Prior to making her move to teaching kindergarten in Bow for the 2021-2022 school year, she spent the first 13 years of her career working alongside countless talented and passionate educators at Thorntons Ferry School in Merrimack, recognized as the 2016 New Hampshire Elementary School of Excellence. Collette is passionate about helping students develop their love of learning while fostering positive relationships. Collette values her time collaborating with and learning from fellow members of the EDies board, specifically the time she is able to spend visiting elementary schools across the state as a member of the Elementary School of Excellence selection committee. Collette is certified in both elementary and early childhood education; she graduated from the University of New Hampshire in Durham with her BS Family Studies and her M.Ed in Elementary Education. |
 | Paul Yergeau, Vice Chair– Paul has recently retired as the principal of the Deerfield Community School. Previous to being an administrator there, he was an elementary school teacher and middle school science teacher. Currently, he is supervising interns at UNH. Retirement is also allowing him to do more volunteer work, throughout New England as well as internationally, for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. He holds a BA in Biology Education from UNH, a MBA in Information Technology from SNHU, and a CAGS degree in Educational Leadership from Plymouth State University. |
 | Gina Aubin, Secretary– Gina has been a Humanities teacher at Bow High School for 20 years; before coming to teach at Bow, Gina taught at Londonderry High School. Her interest in teaching came while working as a journalist for local newspapers, including the Boston Globe New Hampshire Weekly. Gina earned her Master’s of Education with an emphasis on School Culture and Climate from New England College. When not teaching, Gina enjoys spending time with her husband, their sons, her family her friends, and running and walking with her dog. |
 | David Sutherland, Treasurer– David has been living in New Hampshire since 2007 after moving to New England from Illinois in 1996. He completed his BS in Computer Information Systems and Management from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. He used to work in the computer field as a Quality Assurance Manager. After discovering his true passion, he returned to earn is M.Ed in Elementary Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA as he entered the teaching field. He has taught various grades in both charter and public schools with the majority of his time as a 6th grade teacher in Bedford, NH. After earning his Principal Certification from Rivier University, he transitioned into administration and is now an Assistant Principal at the Londonderry Middle School. He has continued his life-long learning as he has earned a CAGS in Competency Based Education from SNHU. |
 | Stacey MacStravic, Event Manager– Stacey is the Recognition and Award Programs Coordinator for the NH Department of Education. One of her primary responsibilities is coordinating the Teacher of the Year program. Prior to joining NHED, Stacey spent six years at the Department of Justice. She also worked for Community Bridges and Granite State College. She spent the first 20 years of her career working for Brookstone. Stacey has her BS in Business Management from Granite State College. Stacey brings not only her business experience, but also many years of event planning experience to NH Excellence in Education. In addition to spending time with her family, Stacey loves to read and scrapbook in her spare time. |
 | Bryan Belanger– Bryan is a New Hampshire native, who graduated from Granite State College with a BS in Information Systems and Administration. He also holds an M. Ed. in Educational Leadership, CAGS in Inclusion Education, and a CAGS in Literacy K-12 from the University of New England. He started his career supporting educational technology for SAU 21 in Hampton prior to starting as the assistant principal of curriculum and integration for Seabrook Middle School (Middle School of the Year in 2013). He has also served as principal at both Lamprey River Elementary School and Parker-Varney. He is now the Director of State Certification and Licensure at Southern New Hampshire University’s School of Education. |
 | Fred Bramante– Fred is the Father of the EDies. Fred, a former middle school science teacher, came up with the idea as a new member of the NH State Board of Education (early 90s) when he was asked to participate with the NH Teachers of the Year organization to help select the next Teacher of the Year. In the process, he asked about the ceremony and learned that it was to be held at a restaurant in Manchester or Concord with 50-60 attendees. Using his own company’s (Daddy’s Junky Music) annual awards event as a model, Fred asked the group to envision a huge gala event with hundreds of attendees and awards for all aspects of education. The group liked the idea, and the rest, as they say, is history. Today, Fred heads the non-profit National Center for Competency-Based Learning. |
http://www.edies.org/wp-content/u ploads/2021/11/ | Ivy Leavitt-Carlson– Ivy has been a Life Science instructor at Laconia High School and a BioMedical Technology instructor at the Huot Technical Center since 2007. She has taught a wide range of classes, including Biology, AP and general Environmental Science, Forensic Science, Anatomy and Physiology, and a hybrid English/Science class called “Surviving the Apocalypse.” Prior to joining the Laconia High School Faculty, Ivy volunteered in South Africa with the US Peace Corps and started her teaching career at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro. Ivy lives in Tuftonboro with her husband and small children. |
 | Jacqueline Coe– Jackie is a New Hampshire native, who went to Colby-Sawyer for her B.A. in American Studies and Dartmouth for her M.A.L.S, with a concentration in writing. She taught high school Social Studies and English before becoming Academic Dean at Bow High School. As a member of the first doctoral cohort at New England College, Jackie completed her dissertation on the impact of blended learning on student engagement. She has facilitated professional development on blended learning, performance assessments, rigor and depth of knowledge, creativity, and mentoring. Jackie is especially interested in opportunities to rethink the structures of school. Currently, Jackie serves as Superintendent at SAU 24 (serving Henniker, John Stark, Stoddard & Weare). |
 | Ken Darsney– Ken is in his first year as Learning Management Systems Administrator for the NH Department of Education (NHED). In that role, he supports the use of the Instructure Canvas Learning Management System and Zoom Communication to promote NHED sponsored professional development activities and organizational support for various NHED Boards and Committees. He is the former Principal at Franklin Middle School, a grades 4-8 school of 360 students in Franklin, and is in his 26th year in education with 16 years serving as school administrator throughout NH. In addition to his work at NHED, Ken has served for over 20 years on the Board of NH Excellence in Education as past Treasurer and Chair and currently directs the K-8 School of Excellence Selection Committee. He has also served on the NH Council for Teacher Education and the PSU Holmes Center Council for Professional Development Partnerships. Ken holds a BA from Boston College with M.Ed. and CAGS degrees from PSU. |
 | Dorene Decibus– Dorene is an educator in the Monadnock Region in the ConVal School District. She teaches science at South Meadow School in Peterborough and has been an educator in New Hampshire for the past 36 years. South Meadow School has been chosen as Middle School of the Year twice (2005 and again in 2012). Dorene enjoys her time on the EDies board, especially visiting schools in our state as a member of the Middle School Selection committee and learning about the great things NH educators are doing in the classroom. She has served on the board for the past nine years, serving as secretary and Middle School Selection committee chair. Dorene graduated from Lyndon State College in Vermont with a BS in Elementary Education and earned her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Keene State College. Dorene resides in Keene with her husband Bob. |
 | Kerstin Dumas– Kerstin is the Literacy Specialist at Highland Goffe’s Falls and loves helping students with reading and writing through small group intervention and facilitating a love of reading through school wide leadership. She has spent most of her career teaching at all elementary levels, including children with Autism, gaining experiences in the foundations of reading and writing. While this is her primary job function by day, Kerstin also enjoys participating in coaching the robotics team and supporting community engagement. In 2022, Kerstin was awarded the Christa McAuliffe Teaching Excellence award by Manchester School District and was a Teacher of the Year Nominee. In addition, she was honored to be a part of the Highland Goffe’s Falls Elementary staff, which was awarded The NH School of Excellence Award for 2022. She strives to elevate student achievement and collegial relationships within the community. |
 | Ellen Hume-Howard– Ellen has served as NHLI’s executive director since 2017. In this role, she leads NHLI to assist New Hampshire schools and districts to deepen their innovative practices in education and improve learning for all students. Ellen leads several projects at NHLI that support teacher leaders as well as supporting innovative districts in the state. Ellen was recognized by the NHSAA, with an Outstanding Service Award in 2012. Before joining NHLI, Ellen worked as the director of curriculum for the Sanborn Regional School District, and guided the district’s research, design, and implementation of a nationally recognized K-12 competency-based learning system. Ellen received her undergraduate degree in English from the University of New Hampshire, a master’s degree in Education and a CAGS in Educational Leadership. |
 | Lori Kincaid– Lori has a strong commitment to education in New Hampshire. She worked for the NH Department of Education for 28 years, most recently as the communications officer and is now retired. Lori coordinated the teacher of the year program for the state and enjoys visiting schools throughout New Hampshire. She has volunteered on the Excellence in Education Awards Board for the past 20+ years and served on the Elementary School of Excellence selection committee in 2019 and 2021. Lori has two daughters that she enjoys spending time with and is a new grandmother (hence the retirement). |
 | Dave Levesque– David is currently the principal at Franklin High School. Prior to transitioning to FHS, David worked in the Laconia School District for 22 years as a school counselor, the high school assistant principal, and the principal at Pleasant Street Elementary School. While at PSS, the school was named a “2017 NH School of Excellence” by the NH Excellence in Education board. In 2018, David was selected as the NH Elementary Principal of the Year. Currently, David is the President Elect for the NH Association of School Principals and is a member of the Granite State Leadership Academy. |
 | John MacArthur– John has spent all but three of his twenty-one years as an educator here in New Hampshire. He began his career as a general music teacher and band director at North Andover Middle School in North Andover, MA. He jumped the border and came back home to New Hampshire where he was the Director of Instrumental Music/General Music Teacher at Milford Middle School for seven years prior to becoming an administrator. John started his administrative career as the Assistant Principal of Weare Middle School followed by two years as principal of Boynton Middle School in New Ipswich,NH. Currently, John is in his fifth year of serving as the principal of Alton Central School. He feels extremely fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful “Community of Critical Thinkers Who Persevere” at ACS! Alton Central School was recognized as the 2018 New Hampshire K-8 School of Excellence. John holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Rivier College. He is currently pursuing his Ed. D. in Educational Leadership at Southern New Hampshire University. John enjoys spending time with his wife Gina and also chasing and/or carting around their 12 year old son, Jonah, to whatever travel baseball, flag football, golf, or other sport that he plays. |
 | Sue Matthews– Sue is a principal in Manchester and has been an educator in New Hampshire schools for 22 years. She has been in two schools that were recipients of the Elementary School of Excellence Award. As principal of Highland-Goffe’s Falls School, Sue proudly accepted the award in May of 2022. The first award was received at Mastricola Elementary School in 2011 where she spent her time as the language arts coordinator. In both instances, she was honored to have worked alongside dedicated and talented educators. Sue has a M.Ed in Reading and Writing from Rivier, and a CAGS in Educational Leadership from Plymouth State University. |
 | William McGowan – |
 | Daniel Mitchell– Dan has been an educator in New Hampshire for the past 17 years. He has held teaching positions in both private and public schools. He is currently in his first year as Principal of Griffin Memorial School in Litchfield. Previously, he was the Assistant Principal at Peter Woodbury School in Bedford, for the last seven years. Prior to that, he was Assistant Principal at Adeline C. Marston School in Hampton, NH, where they received the 2012 Elementary School of Excellence Award. Dan holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from St. Joseph’s College in Maine and a M.Ed in Educational Administration from UNH. |
 | Stephanie Parzick– Stephanie has been an educator for the past 16 years. She has worked as a special educator and as an elementary classroom teacher in New Hampshire public schools. Stephanie is currently in her fourth year as the Assistant Principal at the Henniker Community School, where they received the 2022 K-8 School of Excellence Award. Stephanie holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and a MS.Ed. in Special Needs from Simmons University, Boston, MA. |
 | Shannon Siegler– Shannon began her career as a middle-level educator teaching ELA in Baltimore, Maryland. After moving back to her native state, Shannon taught ELA at Laconia Middle School for 19 years. During that time, she developed a passion for integrating technology in the classroom and won the Pat Keyes Technology-Using Educator Award in 2017. Shannon currently works at the Paul Elementary School teaching 5th grade. She continues to share her interest in technology, young adolescent development, and neuroscience with her students and colleagues. |
 | Dr. Mike Whaland, Guest Director– Dr. Whaland is the Superintendent of Schools for SAU 13, serving the communities of Freedom, Madison, and Tamworth. Mike is also a Teaching Lecturer for Plymouth State University’s Education Department. Prior to serving as a Superintendent, Mike was a District Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Assistant Principal, and School Counselor. He is a lifelong New Hampshire native, graduated from Bow High School in 2001 and completed his undergraduate, masters, and CAGS at Plymouth State University in 2006, 2008, and 2013 respectively. Mike also received his Doctorate from Plymouth State in Learning Leadership and Community in 2020. He has presented at the local and national level on his dissertation, “Why Rural Teachers Stay: Examining Teacher Retention and Attrition in New Hampshire’s Rural Schools.” Mike serves on a number of boards to include NHASCD, Plymouth State University Alumni Association, Rural Education Leadership Network, and the Holmes Center for School Partnerships and Educator Preparation Advisory Council. He was awarded the 2017 Role Model Award by the New Hampshire Association of School Principals and part of the Union Leader’s 40 Under Forty, Class of 2021. Above all else, Mike is most proud of being part of Lancaster Elementary School’s 2016 K-8 School of Excellence recognition. |
 | Becky Wilson, Guest Director– Becky currently serves as the Director of Governmental Relations for the New Hampshire School Boards Association (NHSBA) after serving in New Hampshire as a district level Special Education Director/Director of Student Services for 21 years. Prior to administration, Becky worked as a special education teacher in Goffstown, NH, and as a teacher/administrator in a residential treatment program for children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders and Autism. Becky was a part of the administrative team at Mountain View Middle School in Goffstown in 2001, where they received the 2001 Middle School of Excellence Award, and has been a part of two other school finalist teams. Becky received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education/General Special Education at Keene State College, her Master’s of Education in Emotional/Behavioral Disorders from Rivier University, and holds a CAGS in Educational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University. In addition to being a guest member on the NH EDdies board, Becky also serves on the board of Leave No Girl Behind International, a girls’ empowerment organization based in South Africa which provides leadership training to girls ages 12-18, and is a member of the International Association of Special Education (IASE) which provides support and resources to address the identification of special educational needs in developing countries. |
NH Excellence in Education Awards
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION