Cambridge Elementary's Mary Anderson Named 2024-2025 VT Elementary Principal of the Year

Longtime Cambridge Elementary School Principal Mary Anderson has been named the Henry Giaguque 2024-2025 Vermont Elementary School Principal of the Year by the Vermont Principal’s Association (VPA).  Anderson has served as the Cambridge Elementary Principal since 2001.

“I am humbled and flattered by this recognition.  Moments like this fill you up and remind you that what you’re doing is important and is impacting students in a positive way,” explained Anderson. 

As a graduate of Johnson State College, Anderson has had a foothold in the Lamoille North school community for decades.

Her first teaching position was at the Jay-Westfield Joint Elementary School in Jay, Vermont, where she taught both Kindergarten and 6th Grade—a bit of a surprise even to herself, as she originally entered the field to teach early childhood education.

After several years, the Jay-Westfield school underwent changes that pushed Anderson to pursue a Master's in Education—a prerequisite to becoming a principal.  After achieving that accolade, Anderson became the Principal at Jay-Westfield, again as a half-time Kindergarten Teacher and half-time Principal.

Anderson spent eight years at Jay-Westfield but felt that the divided nature of her position impacted each of her different roles.  Wanting to pursue Principalship full-time, Anderson threw her hat in the ring and looked for a new opportunity closer to the Champlain Valley, where she grew up.  That opportunity came through at Cambridge Elementary.

Arriving in 2001, Anderson has spent two decades at the helm of Cambridge Elementary School.  She credits her years as a teacher as the key to collaboratively connecting with her teachers and staff.

“Mary Anderson brings a level of expertise and professionalism that is truly outstanding,” explained Lamoille North Superintendent Catherine Gallagher, “Mary has the support of her staff and her community because of the time she’s taken to cultivate those relationships.”

“When I got to Cambridge, I was so impressed with the fact that so many different people, so many different age groups, were contributing in some way to the betterment of this school,” added Anderson.  I’ve tried my best to continue that connection with the community and to keep our community informed and invested in what’s happening in these halls and classrooms.”

Cambridge Elementary School serves 320 students and is supported by nearly 90 staff members across all departments.

Jay Nichols, Executive Director of the Vermont Principals’ Association, shared this about Anderson and the other Vermont Principal of the Year award recipients, “Research has demonstrated time and time again that there are no good schools without good school leaders.  Next to the effectiveness of individual teachers in the classroom, the principal has the most impact on student learning, sense of belonging, and overall well-being while at school.”

Individuals nominated for VPA Vermont Principal of Year recognitions exemplify outstanding qualities in 10 categories, including leadership and vision, ethics and professionalism, equity, curriculum and instruction, community and student care, professional capacity of school personnel, meaningful engagement of families and community, and more.

Anderson and her fellow 2024-2025 awardees will be honored at the VPA Leadership Academy Awards Banquet at the Killington Resort on July 30th, 2024.