Instructor:
| , Community College of Vermont , Phone: E-mail: aprilzajko@yahoo.com Best to reach me through email - aprilzajko@gmail.com |
Instructor Level
| Master |
Education
| High school diploma or GED in Bachelor's degree in B.S. - Psychology Master's degree in M.Ed. - Curriculum & Instruction Professional certificate or license in VT Professional Educator's License Level 2 3-76 Reading/English Language Arts Specialist; Level 1 0- | |
| I am a Vermont licensed Early Childhood Educator for birth through grade 3, and a Vermont licensed Reading Specialist. In addition, I have extensive training in science, nature, early math, and working with families and communities. | |
| has received formal instruction in adult education or in the facilitation of learning for adults. |
Work Experience
| April Zajko, M.Ed. is the founder and owner of April’s Teaching Tree, which aims to help educators and teacher deepen their understanding of a holistic approach to childhood. April is a Licensed Early Childhood Educator and Reading Specialist. Her bachelor’s degree was earned at Delaware State University, and her master’s degree was earned at University of Virginia. Her passion for lifelong learning has led her to study in-depth about place-based learning, mindfulness, holistic development, nature-inspired approach to early childhood, and creating supportive learning environments for all children. April has led professional development programs for hundreds of teachers and child care providers throughout the state of Vermont. Through the last 18 years, April has taught early education programs in both public and private schools and has had great joy in connecting with a wide cross section of educators, researchers, child care providers, homeschoolers, families and most importantly children. April hopes to connect with others in finding powerful ways to reorient our educational and parenting practices towards a more holistic and balanced approach to childhood through advocating for PLAY, promoting child development as the cornerstone to learning, putting creativity back into the curriculum, and prioritizing joyful learning environments. Full resume, references, IPDP, and portfolio available upon request. | ||||||||||
| More than 15 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) Healthy and Safe Environments (Early Childhood) Professionalism and Program Organization (Early Childhood) Child and Youth Development (Afterschool) Curriculum and Learning Environment (Afterschool) Families and Communities (Afterschool) Healthy and Safe Environments (Afterschool) Professionalism and Program Organization (Afterschool) Observing and Assessing (Early Childhood) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Specific Curricula: | Advanced Specialized Care Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS) Modules | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Training Topics | How Children Develop Influences on Development Child Development Theory Temperament Resiliency 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 Outdoor Learning Environments Observation/Assessment Curriculum Development Early Literacy Math Science Health and Safety Physical Activity Professional Growth Working with Staff and Colleagues Program Administration Leadership | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| *Provide time for interaction between participants to share experiences, challenges, and new ideas. * Content of workshop must be well organized, relevant, engaging, and have direct applications for the attendees. * My role is to be an active listener, adjust conent to meet the needs of the group, offer hands-on activities, get participants moving, share a few funny stories or anecdotes about information presented so participants see the materials as something they want to bring to their classroom or home setting. April Zajko, M.Ed, is an experienced nature-based educator and serves as a professional development leader, college faculty member, and educational consultant. April works to support educators to bring nature-based approaches to life in their classrooms. April brings straightforward practical knowledge, rooted in best practices, with humor and tales from the classroom to all her professional development trainings and small group coaching programs. April offers two college courses, "Growing Outdoor Classrooms" and "Curriculum Development for Nature Based Educators" through Castleton University's Center for Schools in Vermont. These three credit courses are designed to help educators develop their outdoor space and implement curriculum in their classrooms and programs. April moderates an active Facebook group called "Nature Inspired Teacher" where she supports educators who want to dive deeper into this powerful way of supporting children. |
Logistics
| *Inquire with Instructor, Addison County, Bennington County, Caledonia County, Chittenden County, Essex County, Franklin County, Grand Isle County, Lamoille County, Orange County, Orleans County, Rutland County, Washington County, Windham County, Windsor County | |
| 1000 miles from , | |
| Additional fee for providing handouts and travel expenses outside Caledonia county. |