Ell Fanus, Gifted and Talented (GaTE) Teacher
Ell Fanus is a GaTE (Gifted and Talented Education) teacher at Bruce M. Whittier Middle School and Poland Community School. She provides GT services in multiple subject areas for grades four through eight and offers enrichment opportunities for students in grades two through eight.
She achieved her undergraduate B.S. Education and Fine Arts degree from Ohio State University. She went on to complete her Master’s Degree in GT Education from the University of Southern Maine. She was part of Harvard’s Think Tank on Global Education and is certified as an SEL (Social, Emotional Learning) Facilitator and a Yoga instructor.
Ell has taught GaTE in the district for over 20 years. Her first position in GT education was on Guam, where she co-coordinated and taught in the Arts program.
In her own time, Ell enjoys being outdoors, creative writing, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Laura Dwyer, Gifted and Talented (GaTE) Teacher
Laura Dwyer is the new GaTE (Gifted and Talented Education) teacher at Minot Consolidated School and Elm Street School. She provides GT services in multiple subject areas for grades four through six and offers enrichment opportunities for students in grades two through six.
She obtained her undergraduate B.S. in Education from the University of Massachusetts. She then completed her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership with a minor in Integrated Arts from Plymouth State University and her Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership, acquiring her principal certification. Her endeavors include extensive work with the Center for Civic Education as the state coordinator for Project Citizen. She has coached Mock Trial, Project Citizen, We The People: the Citizen, and Constitution, Journalism, Invention Convention, Stock Market, Destination Imagination, Odyssey of the Mind, First Lego, Future City Engineering, National Junior Honor Society, and Debate Programs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
With over two decades of experience in teaching Gifted & Talented and enrichment, Ms. Dwyer is a seasoned professional. Her passion lies in designing challenging, unique opportunities for her students, a role she has embraced for 21 years. Her recent participation in the 10-day Supreme Court Institute in Washington was a testament to her commitment to continuous learning. One of her most memorable experiences was meeting Ruby Bridges, a moment that further fueled her dedication to her students.
Her passionate dedication to civic education is palpable. Whether she's rushing through the halls in her judge's robe to attend a student mock trial, moot court, or congressional hearing, Ms. Dwyer’s passion for instilling civic values in her students is unmistakable.
When she's not shaping young minds, Ms. Dwyer cherishes her time with her three daughters and five grandbabies, embarking on exciting adventures.
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