Elizabeth Orton

Henry Barnard School (HBS) 147 (401) 456-9722 eorton@ric.edu

Academic Background

MS Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Wheelock College, Boston, MA May1992
BA Psychology
Muhlenberg College, Allentown PA
May 1987

Certifications

Rhode Island CEE Early Childhood (Grades PK-02)
Rhode Island CEE Elementary Grades (Grades 1-6)

Research Experience

Participated in The National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education (NCRECE) Professional Development Study from September 2009 through June 2011. The purpose of this study is to learn how best to support early childhood educators’ classroom teaching practice.

Teaching Experience

2010-Present Assistant Professor
Henry Barnard School/RIC, Providence, RI
Practicum Supervisor ECED 429 Early Childhood Science and Social Studies

2009-2010 Instructor
Henry Barnard School/RIC, Providence, RI
Practicum Supervisor ECED 429 Early Childhood Science and Social Studies

2008 - 2009 Substitute Teacher
Moses Brown School, Providence, RI

2007 - 2008 Preschool Teacher
Child’s Play, Providence, RI

1995 - 2000 Nursery Teacher
Moses Brown School, Providence, RI

1992 - 1995 Kindergarten Teacher
Child’s Play, Providence, RI

Memberships

at Henry Barnard School:

Professional Development Committee
Aesthetic Committee
Principal’s Advisory Committee
Calendar Committee

at Rhode Island College:

Rhode Island College Early Childhood Outside Advisory Committee

Additional Study following Degree and Professional Development

Successfully completed Rhode Island Early Learning Standards Level ll course: Implementing a Standards Based Program – September 2010-May 2011

Exploring in Reggio Emilia Inspired Practices – Lesley University – Spring 2010

The Reggio Emilia Institute at Rhode Island College, Learning, Connections and Threads of Research – Rhode Island College – Fall 2009 and Spring 2010

Presentations

“The Window to Science Explorations” (Co-presenter Cheryl Paul) Family childcare Providers of Rhode Island, September 2011.

“Exploring the Use of Natural Materials as Manipulatives to Enhance Critical Thinking Skills in Young Children (Co-Presenter Bonnie Ripstein), Rhode Island Association for Education of Young Children, October 2011.

Professional Organizations

National American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA)
Rhode Island Reggio Emilia Study Group
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC and RIAEYC)
International Association of Laboratory Schools

Research Interests

Reggio Emilia philosophy
Exploring science with preschool age children
Young children as storytellers