Marie Gannon Russell
Program Chair, Child Studies / Coordinator of Early Childhood Education & Child Studies
Professor of the Practice
Contact info:
Phone: 203.591.5670
Email: [email protected]
Office: North Hall, Room 214
Professional Overview
As Program Chair of Child Studies and Coordinator of Early Childhood Education and Child Studies, Marie Gannon Russell provides academic leadership grounded in deep classroom experience and a sustained commitment to high-quality early learning. As a full-time member of the Post University community since 2010, Russell serves as the primary contact for the NAEYC Higher Education Accreditation Standards, coordinating accreditation for the bachelor’s in Child Studies and the associate in Early Childhood Education. Russell partners with Child Studies faculty and university colleagues to align curriculum, field experiences, and key assessments through evidence-informed, inclusive, and reflective practices that prepare candidates to serve children, families, and communities.
Teaching Background
Russell’s career began in the classroom. She taught in a preschool laboratory program that integrated theory, practice, and taught across grades K–8. Those experiences remain central to Russell’s instructional design and leadership in early childhood higher education.
Teaching Philosophy
Guided by Parker J. Palmer’s reflection that “Good teaching cannot be reduced to technique; good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher,” and inspired by Fred Rogers’ belief that “for children, play is serious learning,” Russell views teaching as both a reflective practice and a joyful act of discovery. Her approach centers on curiosity, connection, and care—encouraging students to see learning not as a set of tasks, but as a way of being fully engaged with the world. Through research-informed strategies and authentic relationships, she seeks to prepare educators who teach with both head and heart.
Professional Background
Russell has taught graduate and undergraduate courses—online and on campus—at Post University and other universities. She directed a U.S. Department of Education Early Reading First grant and a state-funded Nutrition and Fitness initiative for grades K–3, integrating literacy, child development, and whole-child well-being. Earlier roles include art and classroom teaching for grades 6–8, Title I Reading and Math for K–8, and directing a vocational program serving high-school students with special needs. .
Professional, Community, and Leadership Involvement
Russell is an active member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Connecticut Early Childhood Higher Education Consortium (ECHEC). Russell also serves on the Executive Board of a NAEYC-accredited nonprofit child development center. Over the course of her career, her professional and community service has included a Governor’s appointment to the Task Force on Women’s Issues; Executive Board, Women in Leadership, YWCA; Executive Board, New England Transfer Association; and service as past president of her town’s community women’s club.
In addition to her work in higher education, Russell has devoted many years to youth and family programs—serving for a decade as a Girl Scout leader, four years as a Cub Scout leader, and as a parent representative on the board of a local PTA. She was a charter member of a hospital-based advocacy group for children and families at a major academic medical center. Russell has been recognized with several honors for community leadership, including the John F. Kennedy Service Award for volunteer work as a coach and referee in a youth girls’ basketball league, along with other distinguished alumni and service recognitions.
Academic Background
Russell earned a Master of Science in Reading from Southern Connecticut State University and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Central Connecticut State University, with a minor in Theatre Arts and dual concentrations in Early Childhood Education and Inner-City Education. Her master’s thesis—Environmental Conditions and Interactions that Support Literacy Development of Gifted Toddlers and Preschoolers—reflects an enduring interest in how environment and interaction shape learning. Russell holds a State of Connecticut Teacher Certification for PreK–Grade 8.
Personal Interests
Russell enjoys the arts—visiting museums, attending live performances, and creating artwork in a variety of media. Above all, she treasures time shared with her family.