Hope for a better future is what moves me, and centers my work in classrooms and communities.
In my more than 30 years teaching mathematics and working with young adults, I’ve come to see education as perhaps the most hopeful of human pursuits.
At the core of helping others learn and discover their potential is a belief in the transformative power that new learning brings to an individual, to their family, and to their community.
The same driving force is at the core of my many experiences serving in and with my community: a belief that, working together, we can face difficult challenges to create a world that works better for everyone.
Highlights from Jeanne’s background and experience
Experience
• Over 30 years teaching mathematics, at Dartmouth, Castleton, and Middlebury
• Director, STEM & Quantitative Support, Middlebury’s Center for Teaching, Learning, and Research
• Hired, trained, and supervised Middlebury peer tutors in math, statistics, sciences, economics, and computer science
• Co-designed Castleton’s multidisciplinary studies major for future teachers
Community
• Lincoln School/Supervisory District Board Chair
• Vermont Legislative Apportionment Board
• Appalachian Mountain Club, Three Mile Island Family Camp Management Committee
• New England Faculty Development Consortium, Board of Directors
• VT State Colleges Faculty Union (AFT affiliate), Delegate and Negotiations Team
Education
• Ph.D., Mathematics, Dartmouth College
• M.A., Mathematics, Dartmouth College
• B.A, Mathematics, University of California, Berkeley
• Post-Graduate Courses in the Science of Learning, University of New Hampshire
Issue Priorities and Vision
Public Education
The foundation of democratic society is a high-quality public education system available to all. Within this system, community elementary schools provide the best learning environment for young children; sustain vibrant and financially secure communities; and attract young families to our state. Working together, we can design new public education governance structures that prioritize thriving community schools, within a sustainable financial funding model that is affordable for taxpayers and preserves local decision making.
Climate Crisis
The accelerating effects of global climate change are clear: from devastating winds and flooding, to exceptionally warm winters and severe drought in summer, these “extreme” events devastate families, farms, livelihoods, and ecosystems. We must commit to: making real progress toward achieving the carbon reductions required in the Global Warming Solutions Act; enhancing climate resiliency; and making a transition to renewable energy that is affordable and equitable.
Housing for All
All Vermonters should have a safe and affordable place to live. A dire shortage in affordable housing causes instability and hardship for families and communities, and exacerbates labor challenges for Vermont businesses. Lack of housing also limits the ability for young families to move to Vermont. Support for building more affordable housing can take different forms— for example, subsidies or tax credits. These and other state investments should be critical elements of a public/private partnership to expand housing options.
Healthcare
Healthcare is a fundamental human right, central to dignity, autonomy, and well-being, and essential to independence and participation in society. While the Federal government must enact a national Medicare-for-all healthcare system, Vermont can take steps to ensure universal access to quality healthcare in distinct realms— for example, care for all children and young adults, primary care, and substance abuse care, and women’s health. We must address workforce shortages throughout the state, especially in rural communities, and continue progress made toward reducing the cost and availability of prescription drugs.
A Healthy Environment
For many years, through land-use planning and other initiatives, Vermont has prioritized protecting the health, beauty, and productivity of its natural landscapes and ecosystems. It is critical that we continue to find the right balance between responsible resource development that supports a vibrant economy, and environmental stewardship that ensures and preserves the health of Vermont’s lakes and rivers, wetlands and groundwater, woods and forests, hills and mountains, and native animals and plants.