Twenty-one new teachers, faculty and staff members will be joining the Harwood Unified Union School District (HUUSD) this fall.
The Valley Reporter has reached out to all new HUUSD teachers, faculty and staff members and will print the bios of those who respond in the coming weeks.
Sarah Pulaski, CBMS
Sarah Pulaski joins Crossett Brook Middle School as a literacy interventionist. She has taught at Twinfield Union School in Marshfield since 2001. She began her career as a third- and fourth-grade classroom teacher and transitioned to focus on literacy development for students of all ages. She received training in literacy instruction through Lesley College, Saint Michael’s College and the Stern Center for Language and Learning. “I am so excited to be joining the Crossett Brook Middle School faculty this fall,” she said. “I live in Calais with my family. I have had the good fortune of being a lifelong Vermonter, growing up in Plainfield and Montpelier. I love being a teacher. It allows me to continuously learn with my students. I aim to integrate creativity, humor, kindness, and love of language with instructional approaches that target students’ specific literacy learning needs. Outside of school I compulsively craft. I particularly enjoy working with stained glass and creating fiber art. I draw inspiration from the beauty of the natural world around me. I am so glad that I will have the opportunity to become part of the Crossett Brook learning community.”
Madeleine Olson, WES
Madeleine Olson is the new third- and fourth-grade teacher at Waitsfield Elementary School. Originally from Medway, Massachusetts, she got her degree in elementary education and theater arts at Bridgewater State University. Last year she was a paraeducator and director of “Shrek Jr. the Musical” in South Burlington. “I am ecstatic to get started and have spent my days leading up to the school year preparing my classroom and exploring this beautiful town,” Olson said. “A fun fact about me is that I know how to SCUBA dive and I love exploring our oceans!”
Matt Pedersen, FES
Matt Pedersen is the new school counselor at Fayston Elementary School. Originally from the Hudson Valley in New York state, he has lived and worked in schools in New York, Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas and Rhode Island. “Working with young people is my greatest passion and I could not be happier to be joining your community!” Pedersen said. “I am 35-years-old and my wife Tawnie, our dog Reza and cats Forest and Sushi are very excited to call Vermont home. In my free time I enjoy backpacking, biking, skiing and other activities in nature. I like all kinds of music, enjoy reading and love to ponder the existential questions of life. I hope to be an asset to your school and to your community and would like to thank each and every one of you for welcoming me to Vermont. Please reach out to me anytime to say hello, or if you need any support or assistance personally or at school.”
Sarah Thompson, MES
Sarah Thompson joins Moretown Elementary School as a first- and second-grade teacher. She grew up in Williston and graduated from Saint Michael's College in 2015. “This is my third year teaching, and I am so excited to be joining the HUUSD!” she said. “When I am not teaching I love to spend time outside in my hammock, read a great mystery and enjoy time with my friends and family.”
