Kimberly Farrar began her formal teacher education at Trinity College in Burlington, VT and finished at the College of St. Joseph the Provider in Rutland, VT. She received her B.S. in Elementary and Special Education in 1985.

She taught Title I Reading in Bellows Falls, VT for 3 years. She then moved to Green Mountain Union High School and taught special education classes for 1 year and resigned at the end of the school year to become a stay at home mother. Over that summer, Kim  created and established a preschool for the Chester area called Buckle My Shoe Inc. where she taught (and directed) preschool for the next 14 years AND raised her children!   She then returned to public education as a special educator at the Middle School in Bellows Fall, VT and specialized in Structured Language through the Stern Center in Williston, VT.

In 2006, Kim moved on to new challenges and came to the Springfield District to coordinate the Occupational Development Program's On The Job Training Program and coordinate  the transition of the seniors. During the senior year she meets monthly with student's and their families, and any needed developmental support agencies such as Lincoln Street Inc., HCRS and the VT Vocational Rehabilitation Department. By the end of the senior year, most students are employed in their home communities.

Kim started and advises the STAR (Student Team for Animal Rescue) club at the Springfield High School.

Most summers Kim is busy working with summer school students to help them maintain their academic skill levels or tutoring individual students.

OCCUPATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

ON THE JOB TRAINING

On-the-Job-Training provides ODP students an opportunity to develop job skills and to explore various jobs/careers. During the school day students may work at local business sites with experienced job trainers.

During the senior year transition team meetings are held each month. Our objective is for each senior and his team is to plan for post graduate employment, continued training or schooling. Our goal is for seniors to transition smoothly from high school to adulthood.

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Informational Web Sites:

Vermont Job Link

National Secondary Transition Assistance Technical Center

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Springfield High School

Course Expectations 2011-2012

On The Job Training

Course Description:

During the junior year, students will be provided with a supervised work-training experience chosen by the student and program coordinator. Emphasis is placed on the development of appropriate work attitudes, physical presentation and attendance. Students will learn banking and be required to save 35 % of each paycheck.

During the senior year, students will be provided with a supervised work-training experience at a place of employment in the student’s own community. The direction of this course is the development of entry level job skills necessary for employment upon graduation.

Expectations for Student Learning:

1. Students will provide an accurate, organized resume and 2 letters of reference for job interviews.
2. Students will demonstrate trustworthy, honest and ethical behavior.
3. Students will demonstrate proper hygiene and dress for the work place.
4. Students will demonstrate consistent attendance and be on time for work.
5. Students will demonstrate respectful and appropriate interactions with job trainers, work supervisor, work peers and customers at all times.
6. Students will gain independence in reasoning, problem solving, and decision making at the work place.
7. Students will learn banking skills.
8. Students will gain proficiency and speed as needed.

Vermont Learning Standards:

1. Students will demonstrate dependability, productivity and initiative. (VT Standard 3.14)
2. Students use reasoning strategies, knowledge, and common sense to solve simple and complex problems on the job. (VT Standard 2.2)
3. Students demonstrate respect for themselves and others. (VT Standard 3.3)

Instructional Strategies and Methods:

1. Trainer demonstrations, verbal instructions and modeling of correct procedures.
2. Hand over hand support when needed.
3. Assistive Technology supports as needed.
4. On the job practice of skill.

Assessment and Evaluation:

Juniors will earn 1/3 credit each full term and up to 1 full credit for the year. Seniors earn ½ credit each full term and up to 1.5 credits for the year. Assessment and evaluations will be based on the following criteria.

1. OJT Staff evaluations 25%
2. Work supervisor evaluations 25%
3. Attendance and Consistency of Performance 50%

Teacher Availability:

I am available by phone throughout the work day. My phone number is 885-7906. You may also contact me anytime through email: kfarrar@ssdvt.org or nkatf@yahoo.com

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