Early Childhood Teacher Certification in Vermont
Vermont’s Early Childhood Education Scene
Vermont, also known as “The Green Mountain State”, earns high rankings in many educational categories. It ranked as the top state in the nation for student performance in 2011, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress. It was also one of the top states on Education Week’s 2013 Chance-for-Success Index.
Vermont school districts have the option of providing publicly funded preschools. There are also several programs in support of early childhood education for at-risk students or students needing special education services, including the Early Education Initiative (EEI), Essential Early Education (EEE), Even Start Family Literacy, CIS/Early Intervention, and Title I Preschool/Migrant Preschool Services (Vermont Agency of Education). There are many opportunities for individuals pursuing a career in early childhood education in Vermont.
Certification/Licensure for Educators
The Vermont Department of Education includes extensive information about the ways to obtain certification/licensure. You will need to familiarize yourself with this site, as it contains many resources valuable to both aspiring teachers and current teachers.
There are two main routes to becoming a licensed teacher in Vermont.
The Traditional Route is available to applicants who have completed a state-approved teacher preparation program and been recommended by their school. It is also available to those who meet the rules of reciprocity. Individuals transferring in from another state should view the Reciprocity: Frequently Asked Questions page. To apply, fill out the Application for Initial Licensure and complete all of the requirements on the application checklist.
There is also an Alternate Route to Licensure known as the Peer Review for applicants who wish to become certified teachers but have not yet completed a traditional teacher preparation program. This route requires that individuals meet the 16 Principles for Vermont Educators, as well as a variety of endorsement competencies and requirements. To apply, fill out the Peer Review Application.
Please contact the licensing office, should you have any further questions about the certification/licensure process.
Vermont’s Degree Programs for Aspiring ECE Teachers
There are several early childhood education colleges in Vermont.
is a small liberal-arts college located in a valley on the shores of Lake Champlain. It was rated one of the top ten places to go to college by the Huffington Post in 2011. The school offers a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education (pre-K through three) and elementary education (K through six). It also offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in early childhood special education (birth through age five)
is a small, private college overlooking Lake Champlain. It was ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the Best Comprehensive Colleges in the North in 2013. It offers a bachelor’s degree with a dual endorsement in early childhood education and elementary education (birth through early adolescence). It also offers a master’s degree in early childhood education.
offers nationally-recognized profession programs on a beautiful hilltop campus. Available degrees include a bachelor’s in elementary education with a concentration in early childhood education (pre-K through three) and a master’s in education.
The ECE Job Hunt in Vermont
There are several different avenues to a career in this dynamic field.
Public schools employ the vast majority of individuals seeking careers in early childhood education. Hiring decisions and salary negotiation is done at the district level. Individuals seeking a job can view the Vermont listing on the websiteSchool Spring for public school jobs. Registered users can post applications and resumes online.
Other employers to become familiar with are private schools, Head Start, and Montessori schools. Be sure to research the child care centers in your local area, as many of these centers are in constant need of highly qualified teachers and assistant teachers. GreatSchools.org can help you find top-rated preschools and elementary schools in your community as well.
Professional Teacher Organizations in Vermont
Many professional organizations for teachers in the state of Vermont share similar visions.
The Vermont National Education Association (VTNEA) aims to improve both the profession and the local public schools. The state’s largest union, with 11,500 members, it provides union benefits and is affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA), the nation’s largest professional employee organization.
The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VAEYC) increases public awareness of the importance of early childhood education and provides professional development for educators. It is also an affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), an organization consisting of 80,000 members.
The Vermont Federation of Teachers represents 3,000 employees in Vermont and is an affiliate of the 1.5 million member American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
Vermont’s Educational Blogs
The Vermont Agency of Education lists press releases covering current issues and events in Vermont’s schools, as does the Vermont National Education Association. A number of teachers also share insightful information through their personal blogs.
Mrs. Davison’s Kindergarten is a blog written by a kindergarten teacher who enthusiastically documents her unique classroom experiences.
First Grade Smarties is written by a first-grade teacher who has a particular interest in incorporating technology into the classroom.