UVM is known for preparing outstanding educators and researchers who strive to advance a just society and healthy planet.
Led by internationally prominent faculty, nationally accredited undergraduate and graduate programs in the Department of Education feature innovative and rigorous curriculum with exceptional experiential learning opportunities.
This fall, the department welcomes four highly accomplished educators to a visionary community of colleagues who share a commitment to transformative education, inclusive practices, and collaborative community engagement.
Audrey Flynn Richardson
As an instructor for undergraduate and graduate courses and a leader in the newly revamped Specialized Literacy Professional Endorsement Graduate Program, Dr. Richardson focuses on literacy, equity, leadership, and the importance of building strong education support systems for all students.
Currently, she teaches courses on literacy leadership, critical issues in literacy and language, and children’s literacy and literature. She also teaches culturally responsive approaches to literacy and literature as well as race and racism courses.
In addition to teaching, Richardson is a committed participant in the UVM Literacy Hub. She collaborates with her other literacy focused colleagues to engage with the current landscape of literacy policy through research, professional learning and school partnerships.
With over 20 years of teaching experience at the secondary school level, Richardson has taught English and worked as a literacy interventionist and literacy coach. As an MTSS and 504 coordinator, she worked collaboratively to develop the Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports for literacy instruction. She continues to serve as a consultant with school districts across Vermont to support the implementation of student support systems and the improvement of academic outcomes.
Richardson holds a Ph.D. from the University of Vermont, a Master of Arts from Middlebury College, and a Bachelor of Arts from St. Michael’s College.
Andrea Wasson
Andrea is passionate about equipping educators with practical, evidence-based tools to support equitable learning. Her professional focus is on literacy acquisition for students with specific learning disabilities. She values strong collaboration with students, families, and teams to develop effective and inclusive Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
Andrea will teach and advise students in the department's undergraduate and graduate programs. Current offerings include a B.S. in Special Education, a Special Education Minor, an M.Ed. in Special Education.
Before joining UVM, Andrea worked in public education for 37 years as a special education teacher, literacy specialist, and special education administrator. She began her career as a teacher in the Barre Supervisory Union and subsequently taught in the Montpelier School District. She also served in leadership roles for Barre City Schools, Caledonia Central Supervisory Union, and the Central Vermont Supervisory Union.
At the Stern Center for Language and Learning, Andrea worked as an instructor and professional development provider. She has also served for many years as an instructor, supervisor, and presenter with the Vermont Higher Education Collaborative.
Andrea earned her Master of Education with a leadership and literacy focus from the University of Vermont. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Mississippi State University.
Abby Hanscom
Abby has worked in the field of special education for three decades. Most recently, she served as the director of student services for public schools in Massachusetts. Previously, she held positions as a learning center teacher, curriculum specialist, and special education administrator. She has also taught undergraduate and graduate level courses at William James College, Lesley University, and Stonehill College.
Among her many credentials, Abby is licensed in Vermont as a principal, director of special education, special educator, and special education consulting teacher. She is also certified in Massachusetts as a superintendent, assistant superintendent, special education administrator, middle school principal, special educator, and elementary education teacher.
Abby's educational interests include co-teaching, inclusive practices and curriculum design, high quality assessment, collaboration and consultation, and effective communication. She co-hosts a podcast that aims to make special education issues engaging and entertaining.
Abby holds a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Administration from UMass Boston, a Master of Social Work (clinical focus) and Master of Education in Special Education from Boston University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from UMass Amherst.
Christina Goodwin
Christina joins the Early Childhood Education Program for undergraduate students. She believes that when schools and communities actively support the education of young children, we cultivate communities of practice that honor children as citizens and elevate their voices in meaningful ways.
With a strong commitment to mentorship and collaborative leadership, Christina has partnered with families, educators, and communities to create learning environments that support emergent, child-centered education. Her work emphasizes the use of observation to design inclusive, developmentally appropriate curriculum and to leverage the learning environment as a “third teacher.”
After beginning her career as an early childhood educator, Christina later served as a nonprofit executive director working at the intersection of education and community practice.
In recent years, Christina has served as an advocate and change agent for the early childhood education profession. She was a member of Vermont’s nationally recognized task force to advance early childhood education, and she has presented this work at state (VTAEYC) and national (NAEYC) conferences. She also leads professional development for early childhood educators across the state.
Christina earned her Master of Education and Certificate of Advanced Studies in Autism Spectrum Disorders from Antioch University-New England. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Human Development and Family Science from the University of Vermont.
