Education

at work in one of the computer laboratories

Johnson State College began as a teachers college in 1836, and we have since earned a reputation for turning out first-rate teachers.

The education department is distinguished by small classes with individualized attention, a variety of licensure opportunities and master's programs, and faculty who have taught in the classroom and produce a high volume of scholarly work.

But the key component to our program is field experience. Students are placed in elementary, middle and secondary schools, where they can apply the theories they have learned in real-life settings. When our graduates move on, they are well-equipped to handle the countless challenges of the classroom environment.

JSC graduates can obtain licensure which will allow them to teach in high school, teach in elementary school, or teach at the kindergarten levels.

Scholarship Program

We invite you to learn about the Vermont Teacher Diversity Scholarship Program (formerly known as Coming Home):

Making a Positive Difference in Children's Lives

Darlene Witte-TownsendDr. Darlene Witte-Townsend has taught Literacy Instruction in the Elementary School since arriving at JSC in 1993. Her overriding theory is simply stated: Those who want to teach elementary school should start gaining classroom experience as soon as possible.

 

Each week, students in this course attend one class session on-campus and spend one morning in a classroom at Johnson Elementary School. There, they observe, work with small groups, plan lessons and more — all under the direction of a professional teacher.

 

Over the course of a semester, students absorb and then test different teaching methods. They also have the chance to reflect on and discuss their experiences with fellow students. These various opportunities all come together to provide valuable insight into the teaching profession.

 

"Most of my students want to become teachers so they can effect change," says Dr. Witte-Townsend. "I want them to retain that sparkle, that wonder and the feeling that they're making a positive difference in the lives of children."

Education in action

Department NEws