Instructor:
, Phone: E-mail: bobbyr@oneartsvt.org Rebecca McHale 802-338-0028 Margaret Coleman 917-232-9205 |
Instructor Level
| Master |
Education
| Associate degree in Business Adminstration Bachelor's degree in Education & History Master's degree in Library Science & Educational Adminstration (Certificate) Professional certificate or license in Certified Critical Friends Group Coach | |
| I hold a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and a Master of Library Science, along with a Bachelor’s degree in History and Education and an Associate’s degree in Business Administration. I am licensed in Vermont for Educational Administration and Superintendent (PK–12) and hold secondary certification in History/Social Studies. I am also a National School Reform Faculty Critical Friends Group Coach. My recent professional experience includes serving as Principal of Eagle Bay Academy and, currently, as Senior Director of Education for ONE Arts Community Schools. In these roles, I have designed, facilitated, and led sustained professional development for educators and program leaders focused on trauma-informed practice, restorative approaches, culturally responsive teaching, proficiency-based learning, arts integration, and inclusive school leadership. This work includes ongoing workshops, coaching, facilitated learning communities, and conference presentations at the local, state, and national levels. I have presented at national conferences and professional gatherings, including the National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Art Education Association, and University of Vermont educator panels, and have facilitated restorative practices workshops from 2018 to the present. I am also a published author in professional education journals and a featured educator in The Creative Brain documentary. Together, my formal education, leadership experience, and sustained adult instructional work support my ability to provide high-quality, reflective, and responsive professional learning experiences for educators working with children, youth, and families. | |
| has received formal instruction in adult education or in the facilitation of learning for adults. |
Work Experience
| Senior Director of Education ONE Arts Community Schools | Burlington, VT 2025 – Present Provide system-level instructional leadership, professional development, and coaching across multiple school and program sites. Design and facilitate adult learning focused on trauma-informed practice, restorative approaches, equity-centered leadership, and organizational coherence. Support school leaders, directors, and educators through reflective supervision, facilitation, and strategic planning. Principal Eagle Bay Academy (Alternative High School), Burlington School District | Burlington, VT July 2019 – Present Led the merger of two alternative high schools into a unified, student-centered program grounded in trauma-informed and restorative practices. Designed and facilitated sustained professional development for staff. Developed a proficiency-based graduation system aligned with Vermont Act 77. Built extensive community partnerships and embedded mental health and therapeutic supports. Principal Integrated Arts Academy (Magnet Elementary School), Burlington School District | Burlington, VT December 2011 – June 2019 Directed a nationally recognized arts-integrated school serving 300 students and 70 staff. Led instructional improvement, adult learning, and schoolwide professional development. Supported culturally responsive teaching, family engagement, PBIS implementation, and collaborative leadership structures. Elementary Summer School Director Burlington School District | Burlington, VT Summers 2008 – 2011 Oversaw summer academic programming for over 220 students, including ELL and Title I services. Supervised staff, coordinated curriculum, managed budgets, and ensured program effectiveness. Library Media Specialist & Technology Coordinator H.O. Wheeler Elementary School | Burlington, VT 2002 – 2011 Led library and instructional technology programs. Collaborated with educators to integrate curriculum, research skills, and digital literacy. Provided staff training and instructional support. Academic Librarian Gateway Community College | New Haven, CT Dates: 2000-2002 Supported college students in locating, evaluating, and using academic research materials across disciplines. Provided one-to-one research assistance and taught classes on information literacy, research strategies, database use, and ethical citation practices. Collaborated with faculty to integrate research skills into coursework and supported student success through instruction, academic coaching, and resource development. Library Media Specialist Riverside Education Academy (Alternative High School) | New Haven, CT 1999 – 2002 Supported student learning in an alternative high school setting through curriculum collaboration, literacy development, and instructional support. Fathers and Children Together Facilitator VNA Family Room & Winooski Family Center | Vermont 2007 – 2011 Facilitated parent education and child development groups focused on positive parenting practices, family engagement, and social-emotional development. | ||||||||||
| More than 15 years instructing adults. | ||||||||||
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Additional Information
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| Healthy and Safe Environments (Early Childhood) Professionalism and Program Organization (Early Childhood) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Training Topics | Social/Emotional Development Addressing Challenges Supportive Interactions Building Relationships with Families Respectful Communication Parenting Parent Involvement Community Resources Observation/Assessment Systems Resources Ethical Conduct Professional Growth Working with Staff and Colleagues How Adults Learn Program Administration Leadership | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1. Centering Relationship, Trust, and Psychological Safety I believe effective adult learning begins with strong relationships and a sense of psychological safety. I intentionally create learning environments where participants feel respected, heard, and able to take risks, recognizing that adults learn best when they feel a sense of belonging and trust. 2. Designing Learning That Is Reflective, Experiential, and Relevant I design adult learning experiences that are grounded in reflection, real-world practice, and participants’ lived experiences. Instruction is interactive and experiential, with clear connections to learners’ professional contexts, ensuring that learning is meaningful, applicable, and immediately transferable. 3. Facilitating Inquiry Rather Than Delivering Answers I approach adult instruction as facilitation rather than transmission. Using structured protocols, dialogue, and inquiry-based processes, I support adults in examining practice, surfacing assumptions, and co-constructing understanding. This honors adult learners as professionals and supports deeper, more sustained growth. |
Logistics
| Chittenden County |