Two doctoral students making a difference in Vermont public schools are being recognized for their outstanding leadership in education. Educational Leadership and Policy Studies students Monica Desrochers and Andrew Conforti received doctoral student scholarships awarded by ̽̽. Desrochers earned the Robert V. and Donna M. Carlson Doctoral Student Scholarship, and Conforti received the Susan B. Hasazi Doctoral Student Scholarship.
Monica Desrochers: Diminishing Exclusionary Practices
As the recovery coordinator for equity and inclusion in the Addison Northwest School District in Vergennes, Desrochers facilitates student support and works to target and diminish exclusionary practices. Hired for the new position created by the district in 2021, she designs professional learning, develops anti-racist work, coaches staff, and addresses equity issues. She previously served as a mathematics instructional coach in the Milton Town School District and spent seven years teaching in Boston Public Schools.
"My goal is to see long-term dividends in statewide and nationwide practices, especially when it comes to exclusionary discipline—that's where my heart is," says Desrochers. "I want to live in a world where students see themselves in the curriculum and the books they're reading. I strongly believe that's a child's right, and I know that right now it’s not happening."
Desrochers, who is Latina, was raised bilingual in Queensbury, New York. After earning her undergraduate degrees in elementary education at ̽̽ and in Spanish language and literature at Castleton University, she went on to complete her master’s degree in education leadership at Boston College.
Now in her third year of the doctoral program, she is working on a quantitative research project about student belonging and examining contributing factors from educators. Much of her research focuses on the preschool-to-prison pipeline, what leads to it, and identifying preventative measures. Her dissertation in the doctoral program is about being Latina and a woman in leadership.
"I am curious about Hispanic leadership and if that positively contributes to the preschool-to-prison pipeline," she says. "Is more diverse leadership more likely to diminish exclusionary practices? I believe that cultural understanding, identity, and compassion come with the beauty of diversity and a diverse perspective."
The Carlson Scholarship benefits a Vermont student enrolled in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies doctoral program at ̽̽. Understanding the importance of developing future educational leaders, the founding donors Robert V. and Donna M. Carlson created the scholarship to support the advancement of those leaders.
"I feel incredibly grateful, and I'm humbled," Desrochers says of the scholarship award. "It's special to know your hard work is being recognized."
Andrew Conforti: Amplifying Student Voices
Prior to becoming the principal of Colchester High School, Conforti served as interim and assistant principal at Middlebury Union Middle School, and as special education coordinator in the Addison Central School District. Shortly after earning an undergraduate degree in history from Rutgers University, his career in education began with experience as an athletic coach and paraeducator in New Jersey. Early on, Conforti worked with students who experienced trauma or required special needs support.
Since arriving at Colchester High School last fall, Conforti focused on deepening the school's commitment to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion and amplifying student voices.
"One goal is to design meaningful experiences for staff and students to bring more explicit teaching and learning opportunities around DEI," he says. "At the center of this effort will be another goal of cultivating greater student agency and leadership."
Conforti presented to the Colchester School Board in January about long-term plans for the Black Lives Matter flag at the high school and drafting new diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
"Students need to see others acting on their behalf," he says. "Just by being present and engaging them is making a difference. I believe my presence at events and co-curricular meetings and engaging in initiatives like the Black Lives Matter flag is a positive step toward supporting student success. It allows me to better understand our students’ strengths, interests, and ambitions, and it shows them my level of interest in their experiences."
Conforti received his Master of Education degree in educational leadership at Centenary University and a Master of Arts in Teaching in special education at New Jersey City University. He joined ̽̽'s Educational Leadership and Policy doctoral program in 2020 and anticipates completion in 2024.
For his dissertation, Conforti plans to analyze the relationship between grit or resilience and their impact on stress or burnout for building-level administrators in secondary schools.
"I hope through relationships and connections, we can support staff and students in building their resilience and grit because school, work, and life are challenging,” he says. “Often, those with positive, healthy relationships are better able to mitigate and manage those challenges.”
The Hasazi Scholarship memorializes ̽̽ Professor Emerita Susan B. Hasazi, an internationally recognized leader and scholar in special education and inclusive leadership, as well as a trailblazing advocate for students with disabilities and their families.
"This scholarship and what it stands for validates what I'm thinking—it validates my values and what I think education needs going forward," Conforti says.
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at ̽̽
Offered through ̽̽'s College of Education and Social Services, nationally recognized Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs are structured on the belief that the study of leadership and policy studies requires building and sustaining communities of learning between practitioners, researchers and the communities they serve. Visit the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies web page to learn more about the curriculum, faculty, research, and funding opportunities available.
