Linda Alvarez ‘22 had to pinch herself when she recently found out that she was named the 2026 Vermont Teacher of the Year.
Alvarez, who completed a master’s in business administration with a concentration in marketing and communications from Fitchburg State University, has been a business and entrepreneurship teacher at the Windham Regional Career Center in Brattleboro, Vt., for the last four years.
“It’s such an incredible honor and still feels a little unreal,” said Alvarez, born and raised in Dearborn, Mich., but lived in Gainesville, Fla., for 23 years before settling in Brattleboro. “What means the most to me is that this recognition brings attention to Career and Technical Education in Vermont and the students and teachers who make it thrive. This award reflects the collaboration, creativity, and dedication that happen every day in CTE classrooms across Vermont. I’m proud to represent my students, my colleagues, and my community.”
Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge offered powerful praise for Alvarez’s prestigious achievement.
"Linda embodies the spirit of dedication and innovation that we strive to instill in every graduate of Fitchburg State University,” said Hodge. “To be named Teacher of the Year is a tremendous honor, and it speaks volumes about her commitment to preparing the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs at the Windham Regional Career Center. We are immensely proud of Linda's success and the profound impact she is making in her community."
Alvarez is the first CTE educator to receive the Teacher of the Year award in Vermont.
“It sends a clear message that CTE belongs at the heart of education in Vermont,” Alvarez said. “Career and Technical Education connects academics with hands-on, real-world learning. It helps students see why what they’re learning matters. CTE prepares students not just for work, but for life, by teaching problem solving, teamwork, and leadership.”
Alvarez completed her bachelor’s in history with a minor in education from the University of Florida, and is completing a Harvard Certificate in School Management and Leadership. She holds certifications in CTE business, history (6-12), and reading and language Arts (K–12). She also serves as a dual enrollment professor through Vermont State University’s Community College of Vermont.
She’s been teaching for over 20 years.
“My students are what keep me going,” said Alvarez. “I love seeing their confidence grow as they realize they are capable of doing big things. Many of my students are multilingual learners, first-generation college students, or young people still discovering what success looks like for them. Watching them find their place in the world is the best part of my job.”
My students are what keep me going. I love seeing their confidence grow as they realize they are capable of doing big things. Many of my students are multilingual learners, first-generation college students, or young people still discovering what success looks like for them. Watching them find their place in the world is the best part of my job.
A common misconception about CTE, according to Alvarez, is that CTE is only for students who don’t plan to attend college.
“That couldn’t be further from the truth,” she said. “Many of my students graduate with 12 college credits, earn college scholarships, and gain small business experience. CTE combines strong academics with career skills, which gives students a huge advantage. I hope to change perceptions by highlighting success stories and showing how CTE prepares students for every kind of future.”
With the platform she’s been given as the Teacher of the Year, Alvarez wants to use this opportunity to share student stories and show that there are many ways to achieve success.
“College is one path, but it’s not the only one,” she said. “CTE offers students the chance to earn college credits, industry certifications, and real experience before they graduate high school. I plan to advocate for earlier access to CTE programs so middle school students can start exploring their interests and see what’s possible.”
Earning a master’s degree was possible for Alvarez via Fitchburg State’s online program.
“The flexibility allowed me to balance my work, family, and studies, and I appreciated how practical and well-organized the program was,” she said.
The coursework in marketing and leadership has had a lasting impact on how Alvarez teaches and leads today.
“(The late) Professor John Crawley, in particular, taught me how to think strategically, communicate effectively, and approach challenges with creativity through his organizational behavior classes,” Alvarez said. “Those skills help me design meaningful projects for my students and guide them as they develop their own business ideas.”
The only regret was that Alvarez never got to attend Fitchburg State’s Winter Commencement on campus in December of 2022. Unfortunately, Southern Vermont got hit with a significant snow and ice storm, derailing Alvarez’s commuting plans the night of graduation. She received her diploma in the mail and not in person.
“I was quite bummed,” she said.
What hasn’t bummed her out is a career in education. Alvarez says that teaching is “one of the most rewarding professions there is.”
“My advice for anyone thinking about it is to lead with heart,” she said. “Build strong relationships, listen to your students, and create space for them to discover what excites them. When students feel supported and capable, amazing things happen. This recognition is proof of that; it’s a celebration of what can happen when learning is connected to purpose and exploring what is possible.”