Prior to joining UVM in 2015, Senior Lecturer of Special Education Jennifer Stratton had over 13 year of experience in a number of public schools teaching special education at the elementary and middle school levels. In addition to her teaching role, she supervises student internships for elementary and special education candidates at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Recently she recently co-developed a travel study course titled Inclusion in the English Countryside in Bristol, England and a new service-learning course titled Relating and Responding to Community Needs for students in special education and education for cultural and linguistic diversity programs.
Jennifer focuses on learning disabilities, assessment and planning related to challenging behaviors, assessment for eligibility and program planning, and utilizing assistive technology to promote success in grade level content. Her areas of special interest include legal practices, ethical principles, inclusion and teacher preparation within the context of Vermont schools. She currently serves as the grant coordinator for Dr. Justin Garwood's project: Exploring Special Educator Burnout, and in Turn, the Impact of Burnout on Special Educators’ Treatment Integrity in Behavior Support Plans: Project Burn and Turn.
Partnering with area schools and Special Olympics Vermont, Jennifer manages volunteer UVM student coaches and coordinators to host the Young Athletes (YA) program. YA is an innovative sports play program for children (ages 2-7) with and without intellectual disabilities, providing opportunities for them to be active, have fun, and learn foundational sports skills.
Jennifer provides professional development for practicing student support professionals in area school districts. She also works on projects to promote induction and retention of practicing special educators across Vermont.