Instructor:
, Phone: E-mail: jackieprime2016@gmail.com |
Instructor Level
| Certified | |
| Kristen Dunne |
Education
| High school diploma or GED in Associate degree in Community College of Vermont Bachelor's degree in Vermont State University-Lyndon Campus Professional certificate or license in Vermont State Teaching License | |
| Two-time recipient of the Terry & Lynn Lokhoff National Teaching Award for excellence in early childhood education. Graduate of the Snelling Leadership Institute (2025). Completed Study Group coursework (Spring 2025) focused on reflective practice, pedagogy, and instructional leadership. Participated in professional study and immersion in Reggio Emilia, Italy, deepening understanding of Reggio-inspired philosophy, documentation, and curriculum design. Current Steering Committee member of RIVET (Reggio-Inspired Vermont Early Educators Team), contributing to statewide professional development, mentorship, and systems-building for high-quality early education. Vermont State Licensed Teacher with over 25 years of experience in early childhood education and instructional leadership. | |
| has not received formal instruction in adult education or in the facilitation of learning for adults. |
Work Experience
| Mary Johnson Children’s Center, Middlebury, VT —Lead Teacher Present Support Children in the exploration and scaffolding of their experiences Working as part of a teaching team Providing therapeutic, trauma-informed care; Ensuring emotional and physical safety for all the children Following State, NAEYC, and STARS regulations and requirements Oak Creek Academy/ Education Connection-Killeen, TX—Teacher September 2017 - January 2018 Working independently to develop a curriculum for 18 four-year-olds in an all-inclusive preschool Coordinate with in-house service providers to implement individual plans of care Build relationships with families Following the State, NAEYC, and STARS Regulations and requirements Otter Creek Child Center, Middlebury, VT —Teacher August 2012 -one year leave of absence to March 2019 Working on a Teaching Team to provide a safe, nurturing environment for children Scaffold Children’s interest to support them in gaining knowledge and self-confidence in their own learning Developing curriculum plans, implementation, and documentation through Teaching Strategies Gold Following State, NAEYC, and STARS Regulations and requirements Easter Seals of Vermont Contracted to The Department of Children and Families, Middlebury, VT —Care Coordinator December 2009 - April 2012 Coordinating and facilitating developmentally appropriate contact between parents and children's Supporting parents and developing an understanding of their children’s emotional and physical safety Medicaid Billing and Developing Plans of Care Testifying in Court Mary Johnson Children’s Center, Middlebury, VT — Teacher August 2005 - December 2009 Support Children in the exploration and scaffolding of their experiences in a Reggio-inspired classroom Working as part of a teaching team Ensuring emotional and physical safety for all the children Following State, NAEYC, and STARS regulations and requirements Following the Therapeutic Care Model, Medicaid billing | ||||||||||
| 5-10 years instructing adults. | ||||||||||
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Additional Information
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| Child Development (Early Childhood) Families and Communities (Early Childhood) Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) Professionalism and Program Organization (Early Childhood) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Specific Curricula: | Recognized Community of Practice Facilitator | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Training Topics | How Children Develop Child Development Theory Physical and Intellectual Development Social/Emotional Development Addressing Challenges Supportive Interactions Building Relationships with Families Family Systems Respectful Communication Parenting Parent Involvement Community Resources Networking and Collaborations Indoor Learning Environments Observation/Assessment Curriculum Development | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| My educational philosophy as an instructor is grounded in a Reggio-inspired approach to adult learners that values curiosity, relationship, and reflective practice. I believe that: Learning emerges through inquiry and collaboration: Adult learners bring rich experiences, and I create space for them to explore, question, and construct meaning together rather than simply being “told” information. Reflective dialogue deepens growth: I use documentation and reflective conversations to support adults in making connections between theory and their own practice, fostering intentional growth and self-directed leadership. Context and community matter: Just as children learn within a context that values environment, relationships, and culture, adult learners thrive when instruction is responsive to their specific program contexts, strengths, and challenges. I strive to build learning environments where adults feel seen, respected, and empowered to lead innovation in their settings. |
Logistics
| $28 per hour | |
| Addison County, Chittenden County, Rutland County | |
| I typically provide: • Digital copies of training materials and references aligned with Vermont standards • Interactive group resources and reflection prompts for participant engagement • Technology requirements: space with a projector or a large screen, internet access for live polls or collaborative docs, and optional breakout room capability for virtual settings |