North Country Supervisory Union (NCSU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Heidi Whipple as the new Director of Learning Design, effective July 1, 2025. Whipple was selected by the NCSU Full Board at the Annual Meeting on March 20, following an extensive search led by the Learning Design Hiring Committee. The committee, comprised of school principals, teachers, instructional coaches, guidance counselors, central office administrators, and school board representatives, conducted a thorough selection process. Community members also had the opportunity to meet and engage with the three finalists during a public forum on March 17.

Whipple will succeed Jessica Applegate, who has served as NCSU Director of Learning Design for the past seven years. Ms. Applegate submitted her resignation in January, effective June 30, stating that she hopes to return to the classroom and work directly with students once again. NCSU thanks Ms. Applegate for her dedicated service and contributions to the district.

As Director of Learning Design, Whipple will oversee curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional development, and grants, playing a crucial role in shaping and enhancing student learning across the district.

Whipple brings a wealth of experience and expertise in mathematics education and instructional leadership. She holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Post-Graduate Certificate in Mathematics Education Leadership from Vermont State University, a Master of Science in Teaching Mathematics from the University of Vermont, and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Johnson State College. She also holds a Vermont State Teaching License and is recognized as a Highly Qualified Teacher.

Throughout her career, Whipple has demonstrated a commitment to advancing mathematics education. She has served as a District Math Coach at NCSU since 2019, coaching teachers across multiple schools to implement inclusive, equitable, and differentiated math instruction. Additionally, she has worked as an educational consultant, providing professional development and supporting continuous improvement initiatives in Vermont schools.

Whipple has also played a leadership role at the state level, previously serving as Mathematics Coordinator for the Vermont Agency of Education, where she led statewide professional development initiatives, collaborated on financial literacy standards, and developed curriculum resources. She is actively involved in several professional organizations, including the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (NCSM), the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), and the Vermont Council of Teachers of Mathematics (VCTM), where she has served in multiple leadership capacities.

Recognized for her dedication to education, Whipple has received numerous accolades, including the AMTE Elementary Mathematics Specialist Scholarship and the Orleans Central Supervisory Union Teacher of the Year Award.

NCSU is confident that Whipple’s leadership and expertise will greatly benefit students, educators, and the broader NCSU school community. Please join us in welcoming Heidi Whipple to her new role as NCSU Director of Learning Design!