Tracy Weston
Associate Professor of Education Studies
- Office
- Twilight Hall 109
- Tel
- (802) 443-5846
- tweston@middlebury.edu
- Office Hours
- F24 (the following and by appointment): Tuesdays: 12:45 – 2:45 p.m. Wednesdays: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
I’m a mathematics teacher educator who studies mathematical knowledge in teaching, teacher noticing, and pre-service teacher education. Come talk with me about our licensure program—now a double major!
Courses Taught
EDST 0206
Current
Environmental Education
Course Description
Environmental Education
In this interdisciplinary course students will learn foundational principles and practices in environmental education. Topics include ecological citizenship, environmental literacy, place-based education, learning theories, nature pedagogy, school gardens, and forest schools. Most class sessions will be held outdoors, where students will apply and extend their learning, develop lessons, and practice teaching. This course is appropriate for students interested in outdoor environmental education in formal or non-formal settings with any age between early childhood and high school. Field experiences with community partners occur outside of class. Approval Required (EDST 0115) 3hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
EDST 0238
Upcoming
Ed Psyc: In the Community
Course Description
Educational Psychology: Learning in the Community
In this course we will expand our understanding of learning and teaching while engaging with the local school community, including professionals and stakeholders who support K-12 students in various roles. We will examine curriculum theory, teaching theories, and practices that support social-emotional as well as proficiency-based learning, trauma-informed teaching, and the use of personalized learning plans to support student growth and development. In this way, students will continue to understand and develop effective instructional practices, the design of optimal learning environments, meaningful assessment tools, and effective and engaging teaching strategies for diverse, inclusive, innovative, student-focused classrooms. (EDST 0237; Restricted to EDST Majors, and others by permission) 3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
Requirements
EDST 0305
Elem. Literacy & Soc. Studies
Course Description
Reading & Writing the World: Teaching Literacy and Social Studies in the Elementary School
In this course, we examine what it means to be literate in the 21st century and ways in which all students can be empowered by the texts and teaching they encounter in schools. Students will develop their ability to enact literacy instruction based on current research about how children learn to read and write. We will take a critical look at texts—fiction, nonfiction, and historical—to consider the ways that texts read and write the world, develop abilities to select texts that empower all learners, and analyze retellings of historical events/persons to take into account multiple perspectives. Many class sessions occur onsite at a local elementary school to provide consistent practice and supportive feedback on authentic components of teaching (transportation provided). In addition to class sessions, students will complete field experiences in a K-6 classroom in the Middlebury area to see the workings of an entire class.
Terms Taught
EDST 0306
Elementary Science Methods
Course Description
Elementary Science Methods
In this course we will investigate children’s scientific understanding and how to design learning experiences to advance their understanding. Working closely with practicing elementary school teachers, students will spend time each week in local schools, observing science instruction, conducting assessments, lesson planning, and teaching standards-based lessons. Students will learn to use a claim/evidence/reasoning framework to develop children’s scientific explanations. We will also study recent research in science education and the engineering and design process. Students will gain an understanding of how to plan, implement, and assess science instruction through seminars. Students will also continue to work on their Vermont licensure portfolio. [Open to EDST Elementary Licensure candidates only]. (Approval Required)
Terms Taught
EDST 0307
Elementary Math Methods
Course Description
Elementary Math Methods
In this course we will approach mathematics as the construction of ideas rather than the memorization of facts and rules. We will investigate children’s mathematical reasoning, how to construct learning experiences to advance conceptual development, and how a social justice stance enables math to be a source of empowerment for children. Many class sessions occur at a local elementary school (transportation provided) so students can ground their thinking about course topics within a school, and consistently practice and receive feedback on authentic components of teaching. Students will also complete field experiences in a local K-6 classroom and Vermont licensure requirements. (EDST 0306) 3 hrs. lect./1 hrs. disc
Terms Taught
EDST 0405
Current
Elem Student Teach Practicum
Course Description
Student Teaching in the Elementary School
A semester-long practicum in a local elementary school under the direct supervision of an experienced cooperating teacher. (Corequisite: EDST 0410) (Approval required)
Terms Taught
Requirements
EDST 0406
Current
Elem Student Teach Practicum
Course Description
Student Teaching in Elementary School
See EDST 0405. (Approval required)
Terms Taught
Requirements
EDST 0407
Current
Elem Student Teach Practicum
Course Description
Student Teaching in the Elementary School
See EDST 0405. (Approval required)
Terms Taught
Requirements
EDST 0410
Current
Student Teaching Seminar
Course Description
Student Teaching Seminar
Concurrent with student teaching, this course is designed to provide guidance in curriculum development and its implementation in the classroom, and to explore issues related to the teaching process and the profession. Students will construct a Teaching Licensure Portfolio as well as exchange ideas about their student teaching experiences. Topics including technology, classroom management, special education, and assessment will be featured. The Vermont Framework of Standards and Learning Opportunities, the five Standards for Vermont Educators, the Principles for Vermont Educators, and ROPA-R will guide the development of the Teacher Licensure Portfolio. (Corequisite: EDST 0405, EDST 0406, EDST 0407 or EDST 0415, EDST 0416 EDST 0417) (Approval required) 3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
Requirements
EDST 0415
Sec Student Teach Practicum
Course Description
Student Teaching in the Middle School/High School
A semester-long practicum in a local middle or high school under the direct supervision of an experienced cooperating teacher. (Corequisite: EDST 0410) (Approval required)
Terms Taught
Requirements
EDST 0416
Sec Student Teach Practicum
Course Description
Student Teaching in the Middle School/High School
See EDST 0415. (Approval required)
Terms Taught
Requirements
EDST 0417
Sec Student Teach Practicum
Course Description
Student Teaching in the Middle School/High School
See EDST 0415. (Approval required)
Terms Taught
Requirements
EDST 0430
Upcoming
Senior Seminar in Education
Course Description
Senior Seminar in Education Studies
In this capstone seminar for General Education minors, students will engage, analyze, and offer solutions to real world problems in the current landscape of education. We will read extensively in the field, consider multiple research methods and approaches, and enlist community experts. Working across disciplines and collaboratively, students will create final projects that integrate and apply what they have learned in their coursework, developing and enhancing skills for creative problem solving and leadership in the field. Final projects will vary; all students will make oral presentations. (three of five required courses for the general EDST minor.) 3 hrs. Sem.
Terms Taught
Requirements
EDST 0500
Current
Upcoming
Independent Project
Course Description
Independent Project
(Approval Required)
Terms Taught
EDST 4002
Upcoming
Educators as Researchers
Course Description
Educators as Researchers: Personalized Learning Through Inquiry
This course, open to any current P-12 educator, meets approximately one evening each month throughout the school year. Goals include supporting educator curiosity and engaging in the inquiry process in a creative, collaborative atmosphere. We will explore various research approaches and methodologies from a wide range of sources including Indigenous knowledge, ecological knowledge, and various qualitative and scientific traditions. You will create a research project to investigate a question that is compelling to you. This could be a question connected to your daily practice, a content-related question, or a review of existing research about a wide range of topics. Final projects will be presented to the community.
Terms Taught