HAMPTON — Donna Couture, extended learning coordinator at Winnacunnet High School, was recently named New Hampshire Extended Learning Coordinator of the Year. In her role, she finds work-based learning opportunities for WHS students, basically “any learning that takes place outside of the traditional classroom,” according to Couture. She said she was pleased to be recognized for her efforts at WHS.

“I was surprised to learn I’d won,” Couture said. “I think I knew I had a chance to win, but this is only my second year here at Winnacunnet. To be selected was humbling.”

Couture started at WHS in 2014 after a stint at the Department of Education as a personnel grant coordinator and an educational consultant at the University of New Hampshire managing the Achievement in Dropout Prevention and Excellence Grant.  “I always had my hand in ELO, but I missed being in the schools with the students,” Couture said. “I was so excited when this job opened up at Winnacunnet. These are often part-time positions in schools, finding a full-time opportunity is rare. It’s such a wonderful feeling at Winnacunnet, knowing how much I’m supported in my role.”

Her colleague, Linda Evans, said Couture deserved to be recognized for her impact on students. She explained that prior to Couture’s arrival, the ELO was just a written policy for students with no facilitator.  “In her two years at WHS, Donna has done a tremendous job of becoming part of the Winnacunnet community,” Evans said. “Donna has operationalized the gold standard for ELO’s at WHS. She has helped faculty and students to acknowledge what was already in place and expand upon it to create unique learning experiences.

“I have the privilege of observing Donna since her office is in my area. Students are in and out all day seeking advice and feedback, giving updates and planning ELO’s. Donna is remarkable in her ability to connect with students and faculty and help them to put their visions into action. ELO’s are now a viable and relevant option in the range of learning experiences offered at WHS.”

Couture was nominated for the award by Principal Bill McGowan. In addition to Evans, two other colleagues stepped forward to write recommendations on her behalf – curriculum administrator Jamie Marston and technology integrator Dave Hobbs. 

“Over the last two years, Donna has transformed how WHS interacts and collaborates with community partners; more importantly, she has been an instrumental force in giving our kids diverse and authentic opportunities to succeed,” said Hobbs in his letter.

“Donna’s efforts have increased student participation in ELO’s tenfold over the past two years. Part of this success is due to the fact that she is keenly aware of the challenges of implementing an ELO program in the public school setting, yet the credit she deserves is due to her intense commitment, her work ethic, her ability to connect with teachers and community partners, and her ability to establish relationships with students,” Marston stated in her letter.

Couture points out that she is proud of all of her students. One of her greatest moments, she said when pressed, was when one of her students placed in a statewide science fair.

“Sarah Coffen loves both computer programming and French,” Couture explained. “For her ELO, she developed a program that will think while it translates from French to English. She worked on this with a UNH professor.  Her students’ successes are the most rewarding aspect of her job.

“It’s exciting to watch a student really connect with what excites him or her,” Couture said. “They’re often surprised when they realize the sky is the limit, that we want to work together to make it happen. They think about what they want to learn and we make it happen. It’s great for students to take a lot of AP classes to get into college, but being passionate about something brings a whole different level of engagement for the students.”

The program has grown significantly since Couture signed on at WHS. This year there are 228 ELO opportunities for students.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology/child and family studies from Syracuse University and a master’s of education degree in counselor education from Plymouth State University.

Couture will receive her award at the annual NH Excellence in Education (EDIES) on June 11 in Manchester. She will be surrounded by 10 colleagues from WHS and the National Center for Competency Based Learning (financial supporters of the award).