Described as a ‘third generation educator’ by her grandmother, Ella McCarthy has always been driven to helping people. “Being in the field of education is what makes me happiest. Both my grandmother and mother were very successful educators, and both are my biggest role models, so I grew up wanting to be just like them,” says the ̽̽ Early Childhood Education senior.
At its annual ceremony on Oct 13, the (VTAEYC) honored McCarthy as the 2022 Early Childhood Education Student of the Year. The award recognizes her demonstrated commitment to children and their families, her strong academic record and leadership, and her passion to advance the field of early childhood education through actions, advocacy, and words.
Growing up in Barre, Vermont, McCarthy always felt a strong connection to the ̽̽ campus and the city of Burlington. “I knew as soon as I received my acceptance letter that ̽̽ was the place I needed to be to continue my education,” she recalls “I also was aware of ̽̽’s reputation for having strong education programs, so really it was just a matter of finding the right program area to study.”
Along with rigorous education and field experiences, McCarthy says the most rewarding aspect of her time as a student is having the chance to give time back to the community while still learning. “We work with such diverse children and families and have grown to be a part of many school communities. The Early Childhood Education program puts a strong emphasis on family-centered learning. Professors and mentor teachers have made this experience the most fulfilling journey. They all truly want to prepare us for life in the field and honor who we are as individuals. I have been lucky to attend a small program because my relationships with faculty and students are so meaningful and real.”
When she graduates in December, McCarthy’s resume will feature an impressive and diverse range of experiences in the field including roles at the Montessori School of Central Vermont, Head Start, Essex Elementary School, C.P. Smith Elementary School in Burlington, and the Greater Burlington YMCA. Her practicums included hand-on experiences at the preschool, infant/toddler, and grade K-3 levels.
Currently she is in the midst of her full-time student teaching internship at Essex Elementary School, her second placement at the school where she completed a practicum last year. “I have had the privilege of working with the same teacher, Anna Meehan, both years,” McCarthy says. “She has been an absolute joy to learn from and has helped to morph me into the educator I am today. Saying she is a fantastic teacher would be an understatement. I am so lucky to work with her. This school is a place close to my heart, as my mother taught here prior to when I entered Kindergarten. Being back here is nostalgic and beautiful.”
Last spring, McCarthy worked as research assistant alongside Dr. Kaitlin Northey examining the relationship between various pathways to become an early childhood educator in Vermont. “This was my first experience with educational research, and I loved being able to gain new insight in this role. I was proud to be part of a meaningful research project. As a pre-service teacher myself, I want to understand what creates really solid groundwork for students before they enter the field. With education becoming more research-based, it’s important that future educators are equipped with the skills and tools necessary to be change makers."
Northey, McCarthy, and advocates at who funded the study hope that Vermont can serve as a model for the rest of country in developing policies and programs that ensure equitable and affordable access to high quality childcare and early childhood education.
“Ella is a brilliant student, a stellar teacher, a born leader, and an exceptional human,” says Northey, who nominated McCarthy for the VTAYEC award. "She is committed to helping young children and their families thrive. She designs learning experiences that are child centered and challenging while developing deep relationships with children in order to personalize their learning and let each one know that they are loved.
"As her advisor and professor, I have watched Ella grow as a leader and advocate. She offers guidance and support to her peers at ̽̽ while also developing the nuanced leadership skills required to be a classroom teacher. Her involvement and commitment to the profession make me believe that Ella will be a leader within and for the early childhood field. I am excited to see what she does next because the curiosity and enthusiasm she brings to all that she does is contagious and inexhaustible."
Beyond her academic work, field experiences, and research involvement, McCarthy also engaged in several other student leadership roles at ̽̽, including service on the Corporate Sponsorship Committee and the College of Education and Social Services (CESS) Student Advisory Board.
As graduation approaches, her thoughts are beginning to shift toward post-undergraduate plans that include teaching second or third grade and pursuing a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction at ̽̽.
“I feel passionate about entering the classroom and cannot wait to begin teaching full-time,” she says. “Ultimately, a dream of mine is to open a preschool center somewhere in Vermont and serve families of all backgrounds. But I'm choosing to take everything one step at a time.”
Pursuing Early Childhood Education at ̽̽
Prospective students who are interested in ̽̽’s nationally accredited Early Childhood Education Program can apply for Vermont's that offers an interest-free, forgivable loan covering full tuition. The program is open to both Vermont and non-Vermont students. Applications will continue to be accepted as long as funding is available.
̽̽'s partnership with the Community College of Vermont (CCV) provides a joint pathway for students interested in studying Early Childhood Education. Students who complete their Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education at CCV can take an additional 60 credits at ̽̽ to earn their Bachelor of Science degree.
About the Department of Education at ̽̽
Undergraduate and graduate programs in ̽̽’s Department of Education feature innovative and rigorous curriculum, research-informed practices, extensive and carefully sequenced field-based experiences, and community-engaged learning. Internationally prominent faculty lead undergraduate and graduate programs in teacher education, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership and policy studies, place-based education, and special education. Undergraduate teacher education programs offer a dual-endorsement pathways for licensure in both general education and either special education, education for cultural and linguistic diversity, or computer science education. Central to each academic program is a deep commitment to inclusive education, culturally responsive instruction, community engagement, and global awareness.
