Marie G. Russell, M.S.
Program Chair, Child Studies and Early Childhood Education
Contact info:
Phone: 203.591.5670
Email: [email protected]
Office: North Hall, Room 214
Academic Background
Marie Gannon Russell earned a Master of Science degree in Reading with distinction from Southern Connecticut State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in Theatre and dual concentrations in Early Childhood Education and Inner City Education from Central Connecticut State University. Her master’s thesis was titled “Environmental Conditions and Interactions that Support Literacy Development of Gifted Toddlers and Preschoolers”.
She holds State of Connecticut Teacher Certification for PreK- Grade Eight.
Teaching Background
As a Professor of Practice, Marie has been a full-time employee at Post since 2010. She is responsible for ensuring that the Bachelor’s in Child Studies and Associate in Early Childhood Education maintain the prestigious accreditation of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) that both programs earned in 2018. Marie oversees more than 50 associate faculty and 70 courses a term. Demonstrating her strong organizational and managerial skills. She has introduced several new courses and is constantly updating the 27 courses in the curriculum, demonstrating her commitment to staying current with the latest educational developments.
Professional Background
Marie has extensive teaching experience, having taught numerous graduate and undergraduate courses on campus and online at two different universities. She directed a U.S. Department of Ed Early Reading First (ERF) grant and a state-funded Nutrition and Fitness Program for grades K-3, demonstrating her broad range of skills and expertise.
Marie began as an art and classroom teacher for grades 6 –8 and then worked as a Title 1 Reading and Math teacher for K-8. After teaching in a vocational education program for high school students with special needs, she was promoted to director. Throughout her career, while Marie enjoyed teaching all grade levels, she found exceptional joy teaching preschoolers while working in a nursery lab at a secondary school. She has been recognized by various organizations for her experience and expertise, receiving numerous distinctions and awards for leadership and community service. Marie serves on the Executive Board of a NAEYC accredited nonprofit child development center in a local city, demonstrating her commitment to her community and to the field of early childhood education.
Teaching Philosophy
One of Marie’s guiding life principles is adopted from Eleanor Roosevelt’s directive, “To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.”
Marie has strived throughout her career to provide the positive learning experiences that can lead to a love of learning. Marie believes true leaders can be developed through the encouragement of each student’s individual passion. She believes in utilizing the wealth of ever-developing instructional technology and research-based strategies for the development of competent, successful citizens.
Personal Interests
Marie enjoys the arts- visiting museums, live music and creating art works in various media.
Professional and community activities
Marie is a long-standing member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the International Reading Association. She has held services positions in the past including: Governors Appointee, Task Force on Woman’s Issues; Executive Board, Woman in Leadership, Meriden, CT YWCA; Executive Board, New England Transfer Association
Awards
Marie was honored by the Wallingford Education Foundation with their “Alumni Award” for outstanding contributions to the field of education. Other awards she has received are “Outstanding Young Woman”;” Who’s Who among American Women”; “John F. Kennedy Service Award”; and the Wallingford Junior Woman’s Club “Jane Sullivan Service Award”.
Research/Presentations
(2013). “Using Digital Tools to Enhance Literacy Competencies for Educators” NAEYC Annual Conference & Expo, Washington, DC.
(2009). Preliminary Findings on Effects of Four Obesity Prevention Curriculum. Documentary, Weitzman Symposium, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT
(2009). Facilitated Childhood Obesity Epidemic, State Capitol, Hartford, CT
(2009). Food & Fitness, Educational Disparities Conference, UCONN, Storrs, CT
(2008). Curriculum Resources. Focus Group (NAEYC) Annual Conference, IL
(2006). Reading First CHILD Conference, Essex Community College, Haverhill, MA
(2005). Online Course Delivery, NETA Annual Conference, Newport RI
(2004). Transfer Energy, Student Retention NETA Annual Conference, Newport RI