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.

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].

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)

Student Teaching in Elementary School See EDST 0405.

Student Teaching in the Elementary School See EDST 0405.

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)

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.

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.

Interpreting and Advancing Student Reasoning in Mathematics This course centers on K-12 students’ mathematical sense-making. Research-based frameworks—including learning progressions, teacher noticing, high-leverage practices, and practices for productive classroom discourse— will be used to interpret and respond to students’ reasoning. Emphasis is placed on practices that are critical to learning content, support equity, and disrupt patterns of injustice. Participants will collect and analyze classroom artifacts, including instructional tasks, samples of student work, and videos of their own teaching. We will collaborate on problems of practice, and plan instruction that promotes meaningful, student-centered math discourse. This course will support educators to better recognize and respond to students’ learning needs, facilitate productive discussions, and design instruction that builds on and advances student reasoning.

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.

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.

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)

Student Teaching in the Middle School/High School See EDST 0415.

Tracy Weston

Reviews and ratings for Tracy Weston at Middlebury College.Tracy Weston teaches Environmental Education, Elementary Science Methods, Elem Student Teach Practicum and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Tracy Weston good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

This class was incredibly beneficial for learning how to teach math. Professor Weston is very knowledgeable about the best teaching strategies for mathematics. I loved being able to spend time in the local schools working hands on with students. 

This course was excellent, and so was Professor Weston. It is required for the minor. Heads up, don't overload your semester with other research-heavy classes if you are taking this course. There were readings for every class, which were solidly time-consuming, and we wrote a 25-plus-page research paper that included final presentations, and we did not start the process until after March break. However, Professor Weston guides you through the process with the course; it just takes a lot of your time! However, you also got to dive into something that you were interested in, so don't let that hold you back!

This class is Weston's passion project and you can definitely feel that in the course. I had a wonderful time and really enjoyed learning this material. The biggest work was weekly lesson plans made in pairs, plus some readings every week that were never too much time. We got to present our lessons to actual local kids, and spent probably half of total class time doing that. Be prepared to spend every class outside.