BRATTLEBORO, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) - Linda Alvarez's students do more than just study business.

Over the course of a year, her students at the Windham Regional Career Center (WRCC) design a food truck business, taking care of marketing and presenting to community leaders.

"[Linda] is a visionary who equips them not only with skills but also with confidence and purpose to shape the future," said WRCC director Nancy Wiese.

The Vermont Agency of Education on Tuesday chose Alvarez as the 2026 Vermont Teacher of the Year. Alvarez is the first Career and Technical Education teacher to receive the award, which has been given out annually since 1964.

As part of the consideration process, Alvarez spoke to Vermont officials on how she views the importance of career education.

"When students feel th

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