As Vermont’s interim secretary of education, Zoie Saunders embarked on a mission to spend her first 100 days learning as much as possible about the state, its schools, and the education priorities of Vermonters. What she discovered during her travels across the state was a deep commitment to student success and a shared desire to strengthen and sustain the education system for the benefit of all students and communities.
Saunders visited schools and engaged with community members from Southern Vermont to the Northeast Kingdom, witnessing firsthand the level of engagement and focus on schools that Vermonters have. She met with farmers providing nutritious ingredients for school meals, multilingual liaisons supporting refugee students and their families, technical education leaders training the next generation of workforce innovators, artists nurturing students‘ creativity, mental health providers promoting student and family well-being, and countless volunteers serving on boards, committees, and school-based programs.
One of the core strengths of Vermont’s education system, according to Saunders, is the dedication and innovation of teachers, staff, and education leaders who go above and beyond to enrich learning experiences for students. From international experiences to project-based activities, outdoor learning, leadership development, and more, educators in Vermont are finding creative ways to engage students and prepare them for the future.
Saunders also highlighted the impressive qualities of Vermont’s students, noting their understanding of complex issues and their commitment to giving back to their communities. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that all students have access to the same opportunities and that the state can responsibly sustain and protect what it values most in education.
Despite the challenges facing Vermont’s education system, Saunders believes that education is what unites the state. She sees the education system as a place where the needs and interests of children, parents, workers, businesses, and communities converge, and she is committed to putting students and schools at the heart of planning for Vermont’s future.
As part of her efforts to engage with communities and gather feedback, Saunders announced the Listen and Learn Tour, which will include surveys, regional meetings with education leaders, and listening sessions with educators, families, students, and community members. The goal is to support strategic planning and ensure that the work of the Agency of Education aligns with the needs and priorities of Vermont communities.
Saunders also highlighted the work of the Commission on the Future of Public Education, which is charged with creating a transformative vision for the education system. She expressed her commitment to bringing a data-driven, results-oriented, collaborative approach to the Commission’s work and invited Vermonters to participate in the conversations and provide their input.
In conclusion, Zoie Saunders expressed her excitement about listening, learning, and leading to advance Vermont’s education goals and build stronger futures for all learners. As Vermont’s interim secretary of education, she is dedicated to working collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure that the state’s education system continues to thrive and meet the needs of all students.