Special Educator Initial Licensure Program Core Teaching Standards Seminar Series YEAR 1 (2023-24) Colchester SD

Special Educator Initial Licensure Program Core Teaching Standards Seminar Series YEAR 1 (2023-24) Colchester SD

Special Ed License | Available

Initial Licensure

8/21/2023-5/24/2024

These seminars are designed to meet the Core Teaching Standards for the initial license of Special Educator, in Vermont.

Year One Seminar Sequence: Exact Dates/Times TBD

(A) Planning and Preparation

This seminar will provide contextual understanding in the Danielson Framework for Teaching and the Vermont Core Teaching Standards. Participants will examine the Zone of Proximal Development, beginning principles of formative and summative assessment, curriculum mapping and local comprehensive assessment plans.  Candidates will begin an exploration of equity and bias which will be built upon during additional seminars.

(B) Learner Development and Learning Theory

This seminar will provide understanding and knowledge of learning theorists and developmental progressions associated within the theories.  Participants will consider how both formative and summative assessment connect to a MTSS within a school setting and explore the principle of data triangulation.  Candidates will be introduced to Project Based Learning (PBL) principles, design and assessment.

(C) Classroom Environment, Unit Planning

This seminar will focus on developing knowledge, creating understanding, and applying principles associated with the creation of a positive classroom environment that supports all students.  Participants will learn instructional strategies associated with strong unit design, lesson planning and assessment. Participants will begin building a foundation of understanding in the ideas associated with:  Responsive Classroom, PBIS and positive growth mindset as responsive classroom management strategies.

  • The seminars are held for two hours, twice a month. The cohort as a group may decide to change the delivery of the instruction (use of mixed formats, alternative scheduling, etc.).

    If you have any questions, please contact the Program Director, Joy Wilcox: Joy.Wilcox@vthec.org

Sumner, Stephanie

Stephanie Sumner has been an elementary educator in Vermont since 1996. Stephanie’s passion is working with students and educators to create and support learning environments where all children are welcomed and valued for who they are and are nurtured, inspired learners. When teachers are empowered to create communities of belonging, students are empowered to grow and learn to their greatest capacity. Stephanie holds undergraduate degrees in Elementary Education and Psychology, an M.Ed in Science Education K-8, and a certificate of advanced graduate studies in School Leadership. Professionally, she spent many years teaching grades 4-6, working as a mathematics coach, and several years as a PK-4. Stephanie’s current work includes serving as the seminar instructor in the VT-HEC Special Education Initial Licensure program and as a certified facilitator for Illustrative Mathematics. She has taught social-emotional learning and literacy instruction courses for the Castleton Center for Schools and has been an instructional leader for all content areas PK-4. Stephanie also works privately as a parent coach and educator.