Experiential Learning and Internships | College of Education and Social Services | The University of Vermont(title)

Students in the College of Education and Social Services (CESS) engage in a variety of high-impact experiences to discover their strengths and develop their professional skills at field sites reflecting the diverse cultures and backgrounds of our community.

Faculty and staff in the CESS work closely with students to help them identify and navigate opportunities aligned with their academic goals and personal interests. Real world experiences in the field prepare our students for immediate and long range success after graduation. 

Learn by Doing

Collectively, CESS students contribute 200,000 hours of service annually in the community through service-learning, practicums and internship placements with our field partners in variety of schools districts, social service agencies and other organizations. Here are a few examples highlighting our students' experiences.

Gaining Experience in the Field: Student Spotlights

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Sam Joyner

Sam Joyner: Teaching Science

“I’m excited to start my career and look forward to inspiring the next round of scientists," said Sam about his career path. "My goal is to make chemistry fun, exciting, and attainable for all my students. All of the work that I have done here at UVM really helped to shape me as an educator.”

Living His Dream
 

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Franky Bahati mentoring a student at Winooski Middle School.

Franky Bahati: Social Work

“I get to work with students who I watched grow up, set them up with mental health resources, and connect them to programs that allow them to grow," said Franky about her internship at Winooski Middle/High School. "My field instructors are awesome, and I have a strong relationship with the educators here." 

Paying it Forward

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Taylor Mullen in her UVM Women's Lacrosse jersey holding across stick forward and smiling.

Taylor Mullen: Human Development and Family Science

Taylor worked as a research intern working on the UVM KID Study with Dr. Ellen McGinnis in the Larner College of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry. "Mental health is an issue impacting children in schools all over the country," said the student-athlete. "I want to be a conduit of support and care for students who need it."

Following Her Passion to Support Children's Mental Health

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Ella McCarthy teaching a student during her internship.

Ella McCarthy: Early Childhood Education

“We work with such diverse children and families and have grown to be a part of many school communities," said Ella about her variety of placements in the field. "The program puts a strong emphasis on family-centered learning. Professors and mentor teachers have made this experience the most fulfilling journey." 

UVM Senior Named Early Childhood Education Student of the Year

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Ben Stewart and Colin Henke at the their student teaching internship at Burlington High School.

Ben Stewart: Secondary Education

"I am fortunate to work with a range of learners and a variety of different cultures and communities," said Ben about his student teaching internships at Burlington High School. “I recognize how important the teachers were at a crucial point in my life, and I want to help high school students who are at a pivotal point in their life."

Teachers Inspire

Student and Alumni News

03/19/2024

Inspired to Serve

Evelyn Monje at her mobile social work desk at the South Burlington Public Library.

02/01/2024

Living Fully and Dying Prepared

Francesca Arnoldy

01/24/2024

Inspiring the Next Generation

Laurel Marshia, Aidan McAuliffe and Michelle O'Donnell

08/16/2023

UVM Alum Receives Prestigious Obama Foundation Fellowship

Daniel Farley works with young black males in a school classroom.

08/05/2023

Celebrating the CESS Class of 2023

Collage of CESS Class of 2023 graduates

05/24/2023

Building Inclusive and Civically Engaged Communities

Maggie Sorrentino

04/20/2023

An Extraordinary Force of Goodness

Sarah Bassett works with students at Orchard Elementary School

03/29/2023

Paying It Forward

Franky Bahati works with Winooski High School student

03/23/2023

Teachers Inspire

Colin Henke and Ben Stewart at Burlington High School

02/08/2023

Vermont School Leaders Awarded UVM Doctoral Scholarships

Monica Desrochers and Andrew Conforti

02/02/2023

From STEM Scholars to STEM Educators

UVM Noyce Scholars

10/13/2022

UVM Senior Named VTAEYC Early Childhood Education Student of the Year

Ella McCarthy student teaching at Essex Elementary School.

08/18/2022

UVM Internship Partnership Develops Geriatric Social Workers to Support Aging Population

Emily Mars Raymond, Jason Garbarino and Janet Nunziata

05/12/2022

Celebrating Student Success

Molly Wagner, Ali House, Sandra King, and Taylor Mullen

05/10/2022

Social Work Cohort Fosters Trust, Knowledge, and Growth

Students in UVM's Class of 2022 Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) cohort on the front steps of Waterman Building.

05/02/2022

Agents of Change in Education

Hans Cabra and Lori Dolezal

04/18/2022

Carving Their Own Path of Success

Phoebe Munch and Sage White Cloud at ECHO Center

03/16/2022

Inspiring Future Generations Through Place-Based Outdoor Education Experiences

Collage showing kayaking trip on Lake Champlain, the summit of Hunger Mountain, Samantha Marcotte, and UVM TREK leaders.

03/15/2022

Equity in Education is at the Core of Akol Aguek’s Life and Work

Akol Aguek