Left to right: Phoebe Backler, senior community partner for the Tillotson Funds at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation; Laura Read of Lakeway Elementary School in Littleton; Kaden Bailey of Lakeway Elementary School in Littleton; April Wallace of Pittsburg School in Pittsburg, Tabitha Paquette of Colebrook Academy in Colebrook and program facilitator Bill Church. Read more.
Louise Tillotson Teaching Fellowship welcomes new cohort of North Country educators
Four North Country educators chosen to help redesign program for the future
The Louise Tillotson Teaching Fellowship, a program of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, is announcing its 2025 cohort of fellows. Kaden Bailey of Lakeway Elementary School in Littleton, Tabitha Paquette of Colebrook Academy in Colebrook, Laura Read of Lakeway Elementary School in Littleton, and April Wallace of Pittsburg School in Pittsburg are now working to help redesign the Fellowship for greater impact for the future.
Since 2008, more than 50 teachers from across the North Country — from kindergarten through high school — have been honored as Louise Tillotson Teaching Fellows. Last year, the Fellowship was paused for redesign with the goal of deepening its impact on local schools and communities.
The purpose of the Fellowship remains the same today as when it was established by Louise Tillotson in 2006: to celebrate excellence in public school teaching and to retain great teachers in the North Country.
In July, the new fellows came together at the Mountain View Grand Hotel for a two-day retreat with program facilitator Bill Church and Phoebe Backler, senior community partner for the Tillotson Funds at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. The gathering offered a chance to reflect, connect, and imagine new ways to support teachers in the region.
“These fellows bring a deep understanding of the current reality in public schools and what educators need,” said Backler. “They will help us ensure the Fellowship design remains meaningful and relevant.”
One highlight of the retreat was an activity led by one of the fellows called, “What fills your cup?” Fellows reflected on the multiple dimensions to the work of a teacher and what they do to rest, restore, and re-energize.
“I am eager to collaborate with other Coös County teachers to imagine what it looks like when teachers thrive, not just survive,” said April Wallace.
Tabitha Paquette added, “What excites me most [about this fellowship] is the opportunity to collaborate. It thrills me to think about the doors that will open for my fellow educators, myself, and my community through open discussion and creativity.”
Fellows will help shape the Fellowship’s redesign, while also receiving stipends and support for a personal passion project aligned with the Fellowship purpose of retaining great educators and celebrating excellence in education.
Applicants underwent a rigorous selection process, including a written application and two rounds of interviews with a committee of former fellows, local educators and Tillotson Fund staff. To qualify, applicants had to be working as K–12 educators in Coös County or a neighboring community. The final cohort stood out for their creativity, empathy, and willingness to work together to create something entirely new.
“We were thrilled by the caliber of candidates from across the region,” said Church. “There are so many talented people working in education and we are excited to keep growing a community of Louise Tillotson Teaching Fellows.”.
Once the redesign of the Fellowship is complete, more information will be posted online and the next cohort of fellows will be selected in the spring of 2026. Visit tillotsonfund.org for more information.
About the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, New Hampshire’s statewide community foundation, is dedicated to making New Hampshire a more just, sustainable and vibrant community where everyone can thrive. We are the place where generosity meets the dedication and ingenuity of nonprofits and the potential of New Hampshire students. For six decades, thousands of people have entrusted their charitable resources to the Foundation, creating a perpetual source of philanthropic capital and making it possible for the Foundation to award more than $70 million in grants and scholarships every year. For more information, please visit nhcf.org or call 603-225-6641.
2025 Louise Tillotson Teaching Fellows
Kaden Bailey
Kaden Bailey, a Lancaster, NH native now living in Littleton, is a passionate 6th grade teacher at Lakeway Elementary School and a dedicated L 1 CrossFit Coach at Mt. Washington CrossFit. When he’s not in the classroom or the gym, you’ll likely find him hiking the Whites, tackling obstacle course races, or performing in local productions with Theater UP. Kaden would like to extend heartfelt thanks to his incredible Lakeway ladies for their constant support, motivation, and for always putting up with his wild and creative ideas! He is so thankful for being able to represent the spirit of the Louise Tillotson Fellowship.
“I am excited to be a part of a team that is going to create amazing opportunities for North Country teachers. I am big on creation, so the idea of creating this fellowship from scratch sounds like such a fun experience and a great way to celebrate teaching excellence!”
Tabitha Paquette
Tabitha has been an educator since 2003 and is presently the K-12 music director at Colebrook Academy. She received her B.A. in Music Education from Granite State College, and is currently a graduate student at Plymouth State University. Outside of school she enjoys hiking, musical theatre, running, and recently ran her first 5K. She is a proud mother of three sons and has two adorable grandchildren. Her career as a teacher and her family have been the true lights of her life.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to collaborate. It thrills me to think about the doors that will open for my fellow educators, myself, and my community through open discussion and creativity.”
Laura Read
For the past 14 years Laura Read has been teaching at Lakeway Elementary in Littleton, New Hampshire. Laura graduated from Keene State College in 2002 with degrees in Elementary Education and Voice and Theater. She recently completed a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Plymouth University. Laura enjoys spending time with her family in nature hiking and kayaking. She also finds joy in creating theater for the local community, and is part of the Theatre UP group in Littleton.
“I’m excited that this fellowship provides me with the opportunity to reflect on what I need as a teacher to continue teaching with mindfulness, innovation, and enthusiasm.
I feel so appreciative of the opportunity to help redesign this fellowship, and having the opportunity to work with such talented and dedicated people!”
April Wallace
April Wallace is the middle and high school science teacher at Pittsburg School. A 2004 graduate of Pittsburg she earned a BS in Biology at Keene State College and a masters degree in STEM education from William Woods University. April specializes in hands-on learning and making science concepts accessible and relevant for students. In addition to teaching she is a member of the school leadership team and Key Club advisor. Outside of school April enjoys spending time with her two sons and husband, especially doing outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, rock collecting, or working in the family gardens.
“I am eager to collaborate with other Coos county teachers to imagine what it looks like when teachers thrive, not just survive.”