Instructor:
| , Vermont State University , Phone: E-mail: birong.smith@gmail.com My cell phone is the best way to reach me. My cell number is: 802-373-5052 |
Instructor Level
| Certified |
Education
| High school diploma or GED in Master's degree in 1) American Indian Studies 2) Early Childhood Education Professional certificate or license in Level 2 Vermont State Teaching License Birth through PK | |
| In Summer 2025 I designed and taught a course through the Early Childhood Educators Institute (ECEI) at Vermont State University. I graduated in April, 2025 from the Snelling Institute for Government's Early Childhood Leadership Institute (ECLI) | |
| has received formal instruction in adult education or in the facilitation of learning for adults. |
Work Experience
| Teaching Experience August 2022 - Present Lincoln Cooperative Preschool - Licensed Preschool Teacher Support Teaching Director with implementation of both play-based and theme-based curriculum that adheres to Vermont Early Learning Standards Collaborate and reflect with co-teachers on Teaching Strategies Gold assessments and classroom practices Work with co-teachers to implementation and collect data for IEPs Communicate with families and provide support in participation in family cooperative model June 2025 - August 2025 Vermont State University - Early Childhood Educators Institute (ECEI) Instructor Developed and taught a graduate level course about how language shapes worldview perspective amongst children and ourselves as teachers The course weaves together the disciplines of linguistics, child development, and early childhood education Support enrolled students Evaluate student assignments Collaborated with University administration to develop and implement course February 2014 - June 2022 Charlotte Children’s Center - Licensed Preschool Teacher Design and implement play-based, emergent curriculum that adheres to the Vermont Early Learning Standards with my co-teachers Maintain documentation of learning for TSG assessments and reflection Collaboration with administration on STARS requirements and certification Work with co-teachers to implementation and collect data for IEPs Support and mentor other teachers in their professional development Generating opportunities for family participation and engagement August 2012 - January 2014 College Street Children’s Center, Middlebury - Co-Teacher Creating a developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum for infants and toddlers with my classroom co-teacher, and assessing the children using TSG Utilizing family relationships as an opportunity for partnership Education & Licensure Current through June 2027 State of Vermont Teacher License: Early Childhood Education, Birth through Pre-K August 2010 - January 2012 Goddard College, Plainfield, Vermont - Master’s in Education Concentration in Early Childhood Education August 2007 - May 2009 University of Arizona, Tucson - Master’s of Arts in American Indian Studies Concentration in Law & Policy August 2004 - May 2007 University of Montana, Missoula - Bachelor’s of Arts in Native American Studies Minors: History & Sociology Institute Participation November 2024 to April 2025 Early Childhood Leadership Institute (ECLI) - Snelling Center for Government Collaborating and learning alongside colleagues from around the state as we navigate a wide interdisciplinary curriculum of early childhood education subjects Summer 2022 Early Childhood Educators Institute (ECEI) - Vermont State University Participated in course titled Foundations for Wise Education that examined mindfulness and body awareness strategies for children and educators April 2011 Reggio Emilia Approach to Education International Study Group - Reggio Children & Centro Internazionale Loris Malaguzzi, Italy Travelled to Reggio Emilia, Italy for a week of extensive study about the theories and application of the approach, particularly around the reflective practices of documentation and classroom environment development Summer 2008 American Indian Language Development Institute (AILDI) - University of Arizona Intensive study of Indigenous linguistics and the cultural impacts of spoken language | ||||||||||
| 0-5 years instructing adults. | ||||||||||
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Additional Information
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| Child Development (Early Childhood) Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) Professionalism and Program Organization (Early Childhood) Observing and Assessing (Early Childhood) | |||||||||
| Training Topics | Influences on Development Respectful Communication Networking and Collaborations Observation/Assessment Curriculum Development Professional Growth | ||||||||
| I believe that in teaching adults, it is helpful to demonstrate how theory can go into practice. I believe in engaging different learning styles into the course or workshop. I believe in utilizing humor to spark joy and engagement. |
Logistics
| *Inquire with Instructor |