The Vermont State University Center for School (CFS) develops industry-specific, credit-bearing courses at the graduate level tailored to the needs of today’s demanding school environments.
What a great experience! Truly enjoyed the in class time and the great teaching in small groups plus the larger group activities. I appreciated the support we received throughout the development and application of the project. Would recommend this to anyone interested in community engagement and connectivity. – N.H., High School Teacher, Summer 2025
This STEM course went above and beyond my expectations. I feel that I learned about how to plan and implement STEM challenges for my students through direct examples, supported practice, and support from other students. The amount of additional resources provided through this class was impressive and truly beneficial for myself and my students. – C. B., Middle School Teacher, Summer 2025
Executive Director
Education:
B.S., Communications, Ithaca College
M.Ed., Education Leadership, Vermont State University
Graduate of The Vermont Leadership Institute
Post-Master’s Coursework, National Career Development Association Professional Training Program
Bio:
Tara Lidstone has dedicated her career to supporting Vermont educators and has served in a variety of positions at Vermont State University. First, as the Executive Director of VTSU’s inaugural statewide distance learning system from 2003-2016, then as the Assistant Director of the VTSU Center for Schools from 2016 to May 2026, and now as the Center for Schools, Graduate & Continuing Education Executive Director.
As a native Vermonter, Tara believes in the transformational power of advanced training and education and strives to make quality, affordable educational opportunities available to all Vermonters. She has decades of experience building and delivering professional development programs and credited coursework. She is energized by building new opportunities with educational partners and, together with the CFS team, providing high-quality support to CFS partners, instructors, and Vermont educators.
During her off hours, Tara most enjoys outdoor activities with family and friends, home improvement projects, new adventures, and traveling as much as her schedule allows.
Course & Project Coordinator
Education:
Coursework, UVM
Coursework, Lyndon State College
B.A., History, Summa Cum Laude, University of New Hampshire
M.A.T., Secondary Education: Social Science, University of New Hampshire
Bio:
Stacy has walked a long and winding path through the public education system, starting as an early childhood teacher in a small preschool. She eventually earned her degrees as a nontraditional student, going on to teach Adult Education, GED Prep, and Secondary Social Studies in grades 8-12. Along the way, she held an Experienced Educator license, became an expert in differentiated instruction and standards-based grading, and earned certification as a grant writer. She has held positions as an advisor to graduate education students, served as the cooperating classroom teacher for student interns from two universities, helped redesign the Student Leadership Institute at a local college, and survived a trip to Washington, D.C. with an entire class of 8th graders.
When she is not at work, Stacy enjoys gardening, reading, canning and preserving, and watching her beloved New England sports teams.
Operations
Education:
Coursework, UVM
Coursework, Trinity College of Vermont
B.A., English Literature, Magna Cum Laude, Western Carolina University
M.S., Library and Information Science, Simmons College
Bio:
Established in 2002, VTSU’s Center for Schools is committed to advancing learning opportunities for practicing educators in Vermont and beyond.
The Center’s mission is to empower education professionals from the early years to grade 12 through access to rich learning opportunities.
Castleton | Johnson | Lyndon | Randolph | Williston
124 Admin Drive, PO Box 500Randolph Center, VT 05061