Champlain College is expanding its offerings in the education sector, with a focus on both undergraduate and graduate programs designed to address evolving needs in the field. The college is actively recruiting faculty and offering specialized concentrations within its Master of Education in Early Childhood Education program, signaling a commitment to bolstering the pipeline of qualified educators.
Expanding Graduate Education in Early Childhood
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Early Childhood Education at Champlain College, detailed in the Graduate Catalog, is a 30-credit program designed for career-focused learning. The program emphasizes hands-on experience and applied learning, preparing students for roles in education and public service, as well as further academic pursuits. The curriculum includes core courses such as GEE 501 – Early Childhood and Play: From Theory to Practice, GEE 503 – Leadership mentoring and Quality, GEE 506 – Observation and Curriculum in Early Childhood Environments, GEE 504 – The Child, Family and Community, and GEE 505 – Supporting Children with Special Needs. Students also complete a capstone Action Research Project (GEE 600).
A key feature of the M.Ed. Program is the opportunity to specialize through one of three concentrations: Administration, Early Childhood Special Education, or Teaching. The Administration concentration includes courses focused on curriculum synthesis, HR and supervision, program administration, and financial and legal issues. The Early Childhood Special Education concentration focuses on identification and assessment of diverse learners, curriculum development, designing inclusive environments, and behavior analysis. The Teaching concentration offers courses in early language and literacy, K-3 teaching with a practicum, infant/toddler development and curriculum with a practicum, and math and science for young children.
Undergraduate Education Program Emphasizes Early Classroom Experience
Champlain College’s Bachelor of Science in Education program distinguishes itself through its “Upside-Down Curriculum,” which places students in classrooms during their first year. This approach, according to the college, provides students with early and sustained practical experience, allowing them to develop expertise and build skills valued by employers. The program is housed within the School of Social Innovation and offers opportunities for internships, on-campus employment, and study abroad.
The undergraduate program aims to prepare students for licensure as teachers in public or private schools, as well as careers in colleges, community programs, or tutoring. The college highlights the growing demand for qualified teachers and positions its program as a direct pathway to a fulfilling and stable career.
Faculty Expansion and Expertise
Champlain College is actively building its education faculty, currently listing Sarah Jerger as an Instructor, Meg Jones as an Assistant Professor, Kathleen Legg and Fiadhnait Moser-Hardy as Adjunct Instructors, and Beth Peloquin as an Adjunct Instructor. Robin Perlah serves as Dean overseeing multiple divisions including Education. Faculty expertise spans areas such as elementary and early childhood education, literacy, special education, creative writing, and curriculum design. The college emphasizes the faculty’s commitment to hands-on learning and preparing students for the challenges of modern education.
Sarah Jerger’s expertise includes Design Thinking and Human-Centered Design, Public Relations and Communication. Meg Jones specializes in Elementary & Early Childhood Education and Literacy Pk-12. Kathleen Legg focuses on Middle School and Elementary Math Education. Fiadhnait Moser-Hardy brings expertise in Creative Writing and Children’s Literature. Beth Peloquin specializes in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education. Robin Perlah’s broad expertise includes photography, visual design, interaction design, and curriculum design.
Recent Hiring Activity Signals Demand
A recent job posting at Champlain Regional College, advertised through EmploiceGEP, seeks an hourly teacher for the Early Childhood Education Program. The posting specifies a requirement for teaching experience in early childhood education or a related field, such as Child Studies, indicating ongoing demand for qualified instructors in the region. This hiring activity further underscores the college’s commitment to expanding its education programs.
While Champlain College’s broader strategic direction isn’t detailed in the provided materials, the investments in faculty, curriculum development, and program expansion suggest a deliberate effort to position itself as a leading provider of education professionals. The emphasis on practical experience, specialized concentrations, and a responsive curriculum reflects a broader trend in higher education towards career-focused learning and addressing the specific needs of the workforce.
