Brattleboro educator Linda Alvarez named 2026 Vermont Teacher of the Year

Linda Alvarez, a teacher at the Windham Regional Career Center in Brattleboro, has been named the 2026 Vermont Teacher of the Year by the Vermont Agency of Education. She will assume her new role on January 1, 2026.

Two other educators were also recognized as Distinguished Finalists: Jason Raymond from Burlington Technical Center and Erin Randall from South Burlington High School.

Alvarez is noted as the first Career Technical Education (CTE) educator to receive this award in Vermont. She has taught Business and Entrepreneurship at the Windham Regional Career Center for four years.

“I am thrilled to recognize Linda as Vermont’s Teacher of the Year,” said Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders. “Linda’s commitment to equity, innovation, and excellence prepares students not only for careers and college, but for meaningful lives beyond the classroom. We are honored to recognize her contributions to teaching in Vermont.”

Alvarez leads a program where students participate in practical projects such as a year-long Food Truck Plan that involves designing business ventures and presenting their work to community leaders. Her approach emphasizes real-world experience that builds both technical skills and confidence.

Her classroom is designed to be inclusive for first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and neurodiverse students. Many graduates have gone on to receive college scholarships or enter high-demand careers.

“In every way, Linda is the kind of teacher our students deserve,” said Windham Regional Career Center Director Nancy Wiese. “She is a visionary who equips them not only with skills but also with confidence and purpose to shape the future.”

Outside her teaching duties, Alvarez serves as an advisor for Future Business Leaders of America, sits on the Windham Southeast Supervisory Union Special Education Parent Advisory Council, and works as an adjunct professor at local colleges.

Her academic background includes an MBA from Fitchburg State University and a BA in History with a minor in Education from the University of Florida. She is currently pursuing further certification at Harvard.

“Linda is an exceptional teacher who routinely inspires her students and colleagues at the WRCC. VT TOY is an acknowledgment that is well deserved,” said Mark Speno, Superintendent of Windham Southeast Supervisory Union.

As Teacher of the Year, Alvarez will represent Vermont next spring at National Teacher of the Year events in Washington, D.C., advocate for education statewide, and be recognized during Outstanding Teacher Day hosted by University of Vermont.