The College of Education and Social Services (CESS) prepares students to make a difference in the lives of others through innovative professional practice and scholarship in a changing world. We graduate outstanding students in education, social work, and human services. Our students engage in high quality scholarship and provide exemplary service to Vermont, the nation, and beyond. Our students are in the field early and often. They learn from real-world experiences working alonside mentors in schools and community organizations, and have the opportunity to conduct research working with faculty. In the last academic year, CESS students spent over 190,000 hours in the field. Here are just a few of our students who make us proud.

Kathryn Maitland (Elementary Education with Dual Endorsement in Special Education ‘16) is excited about her upcoming service in the Peace Corps where she will be teaching English in the Eastern Caribbean. Through the Honors College, Kathryn conducted research and co-authored a paper with her thesis advisor, Dr. Juliet Halladay, on how kindergarteners understand complex informational texts. She will present with Dr. Halladay at the 48th Annual New England Education Research Organization (NEERO) Conference, and at the UVM Student Research Conference. Kathryn is a member of the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, and President of the UVM Mortar Board (National Honor Society) Chapter.  She has won numerous research and academic awards including the prestigious Student Achievement Recognition (STAR) Award. Another highlight of Kathryn’s UVM experience was a memorable and rewarding semester studying abroad with her peers at Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand.

Benjamin Kennedy (Early Childhood Special Education ’16) is pursuing interdisciplinary concentrations in Psychology, Music, and Spanish. He will continue his studies as a graduate student in the CESS Educational Leadership program. Benjamin has several leadership roles on campus, serving as the Director of Operations for the UVM Program Board, Lead Resident Advisor for Residential Life, Orientation Leader for Student Life, head of social media for the UVM LGBTQA Center, facilitator for the UVM Next Step Social Justice Retreat, and member of the UVM Substance Free Campus Committee. He is a Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education member and a recipient of the UVM Residential Life STAR Student of Academic Excellence award.  Benjamin also won the United Way of Chittenden County Building Block Award for his service in the local community. Recently he accepted a position in donor relations and stewardship at the UVM Foundation. 

Kiersten Barr (Secondary Education ’17) is a Research Assistant for Dr. Carmen Smith, studying how body-based tasks can help students conceptualize mathematical ideas. In collaboration with Dr. Smith and her research team, Kiersten co-presented at the 2015 Student Research Conference. Kiersten is a recipient of the highly competitive UVM Presidential Scholarship Award, and a two-time recipient of the Student Achievement Recognition (STAR) Award. In addition to a degree in Secondary Education, she is pursuing a degree in Mathematics. Kiersten continues to build her leadership skills working with faculty and students, serving as a Peer Grader and a Teaching Assistant. To serve the local community, she is a mentor with DREAM Mentoring Program, working with underprivileged youth in Winooski.

Tricia Kinns (Social Work ’16) has spent the majority of her undergraduate years concentrating on international social work through participation in an International Honors Program with the School for International Training (SIT), focusing on Human Rights in Nepal, Jordan, and Chile. Tricia is actively involved with the UVM community. She is the captain of UVM Cheerleading Team, and a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. After graduation, Tricia will be pursuing a Master’s in Social Work degree, with a primary concentration in Global Practice, at Boston College.  

Jessica Riley (Early Childhood Education ’16) is looking forward to her post graduation plan to serve in the Peace Corps as an English Teacher Specialist in a primary school in South Africa. During her time at UVM, she has served as a Student Government Association (SGA) Senator, Chair of the SGA Committee of Legislative Action, Program Director for People Educating and Acting to Create Equality (UVM Living and Learning), and member of the UVM Program Board. Jessica is active in the local community, serving as a Big Buddy Volunteer at the Integrated Arts Academy in Burlington. She was also honored to serve on the recent CESS Dean Search Committee. 

Ali McEvoy (Secondary Education ’16) is a UVM Presidential Scholarship recipient who plans to teach English Language Arts in the New England area after graduation.  She has served admirably as a Think College mentor, actively contributing to an inclusive college experience for students with intellectual disabilities, and helping them to prepare for employment and living within the community. Think College has been a highlight of her college career, influencing her passion for education and special education. In addition to her involvement with UVM Women’s Club Soccer, Ali also volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club, and serves as a tutor with the O’Brien Community Center. Within the next few years she plans to pursue a Master’s Degree in School Counseling. 

Caley Braun (Social Work ’16) is completing a successful internship at Lund Family Center, a residential treatment center for mothers in crisis.  With a passion for empowering women, Caley was involved with the first Body Project initiative through the LivingWell program at UVM. The Body Project is a collaborative focus group dedicated to promoting body acceptance and preventing eating disorders through research, discussion, and outreach. Caley’s career goal is to become a licensed Clinical Social Worker with a specialization in eating disorders.  She also plans to pursue a Master’s in Social Work degree.

Emily West Geary (Elementary Education with Dual Certification in Special Education ’17) is a recipient of two highly selective UVM scholarships—the Presidential Scholarship and the Simon Scholarship. She is the founder and chairperson for the DREAM Salmon Run Program, a member of Volunteers In Action, and a Teaching Assistant for a Film and Television Studies course. Emily also serves as a Personal Care Assistant for two different families, working with two young girls who have Down Syndrome. In her latest endeavor, she is in the initial phases of planning a fundraiser through UNICEF to start a campaign that would raise funds for a school in Africa or Asia.  

Holly Hoffman (Social Work ’16) is member of the UVM Tower Society, a class-wide senior honor society for women and other marginalized identities. She is a Social Work intern at Mosaic Learning Center, and a Special Education intern at Mansfield Hall. Both of these experiences focus on working with people who have developmental disabilities.  Holly is actively involved in the UVM Outing Club, serving as a UVM TREK Leader and Coordinator of WILD (Wilderness Instructor Leadership Development). She is leaving a lasting mark on the Social Work program through her development of the Junior Social Work Retreat. As the leader of this experiential event with her peers and faculty, Holly was able to combine outdoor education and social work values, demonstrating how these fields could blend together effectively. 

We are very proud of all of our students!