Joshua Smith, Superintendent of Region 15 Public Schools, has announced that Stacey Bielert, 3rd grade teacher at Long Meadow Elementary School (LMES) and 30-year educator in the school district, has been chosen to serve as Region 15’s 2021-22 Teacher of the Year.

Mrs. Bielert began her teaching career in Region 15 in August, 1989 and taught at Middlebury Elementary School (MES) for 7 years, working closely with Region 15 staff to present on cooperative learning and as the appointed Performance and Learning Assessment Coordinator at MES in 1995. Following a move to Florida in 1996, she returned to Region 15 in 1998 as a general assistant and then as a long-term substitute teacher for first grade until she was officially rehired at LMES as a 4th grade teacher in 1999.  She remained in this position until the 2012-2013 school year when she moved to teach 3rd grade at LMES.  During her time in Region 15 she served as an Instructional Teacher Leader in both Social Studies and in Math, and has been recognized numerous times for her exemplary attendance record.

Mrs. Bielert is an extremely talented, calm, patient and giving educator who generously shares her ideas and work. Her love for children and high expectations for their success is evident. She is described as a teacher who has “a gentle sensitivity for all, promoting a classroom model of inclusivity; respecting and nurturing every student to achieve their highest potential.”  

Her colleagues describe her “as a teacher with an ability to work collaboratively to ensure the most effective delivery of best instructional practices.” She has guided and supported several beginning teachers to become successful and highly effective teaching professionals and gives her time to her serving on leadership teams at LMES and at the district-level.  

In a school year that brought adversity to the classroom, Mrs. Bielert demonstrated why she is an esteemed teacher, designing her instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of her students, maximizing resources and technology to confidently and respectfully establish a pro-active line of communication between home and school, while balancing the needs of both in-class learners and remote learners.  She demonstrates positivity and motivation for her students and colleagues each day.

Recognizing that third grade is a pivotal year as students transition from a primary level to an intermediate one, Mrs. Bielert cares for and admires every student while fostering their independence with a guiding hand.  She shares a positive and gentle rapport with every class of students in her care, valuing and connecting with each student. 

“I am honored to celebrate Stacey and recognize her service to her students, to her colleagues, and to the teaching profession.  She models excellence in the art of teaching and a commitment to our school community.  In a year like no other, our teachers deserve our heartfelt gratitude.  Stacey’s professionalism and unwavering dedication so ably represents Region 15 and the exemplary service of educators everywhere,” said Joshua Smith, Superintendent of Region 15 Schools.