Vermont’s indispensable partners in learning
Stern Center for Language and Learning
Welcome! As the Stern Center’s President,
I’m proud to tell you more about us.
The Stern Center for Language and Learning is an education-focused nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding the power of learning. We’re a team of about 80 full-time and part-time professionals based in Vermont and around the U.S. who are motivated to make a positive difference through our work for students, families, teachers, schools, education leaders, and communities. Founded in 1983, we have a proud history of aligning the practices we embrace in evaluation, teaching, and curriculum to research in neuroscience. We charge fees for our services, and as a nonprofit, we also raise funds from individuals and foundations to provide income-based assistance that makes those services more accessible. We know that access to learning nurtures diverse minds, changes what’s possible in our lives, turns potential into reality, and makes communities strong.
What We Do
We provide evaluations that detail people’s strengths and challenges with learning, including any disabilities or differences. Evaluations provide insight at home, in education, in jobs, in relationships, and beyond. An evaluation from the Stern Center is created by our first-rate team of experts in a high-quality, thorough, and supportive process of testing and consulting to guide current and future plans for learning—and to foster insight for success.
We teach learners, embracing the belief that all great minds don’t think alike.
Our experienced in-house instruction team engages students in one-on-one learning to support success in reading, writing, math, organization, time management, and more. Instruction takes place by appointment at the Stern Center, online, or at school partner sites.
We help people of all ages learn about social communication, supporting their understanding of interactions with others and providing opportunities to practice individually or in social learning groups, with guidance from our team of autism experts and speech-language pathologists.
We inspire teachers by providing engaging, timely, relevant professional learning to individuals, school teams, and whole districts. Educators trust us to know the research on what really works to build learning environments where everyone can thrive—and to empower them with an understanding of why those approaches work. Our Hoehl Institute grant program makes it affordable to engage with timely topics in the field, while our virtual learning emphasis fosters accessibility. The Stern Center’s structured literacy commitment comes to life through our accredited Orton-Gillingham Institute, our Wilson Language Training® partnership, and our many initiatives designed to reward the drive and curiosity of those called to teach.
Here for Learners and Their Teachers
Our educators are caring, creative, and experienced, making a difference on site and online each day. Stern Center families and teachers everywhere see results that change lives and open up the future. Our team is guided by five strategic areas of focus:
Life Changing Learning
Our services and partnerships reflect research-informed practice and compassionate engagement.
Expertise in Action
We put our expertise into action, taking our knowledge and skills and applying them to areas of opportunity.
Visible Impact
Our work and positive educational outcomes are recognized, valued, and supported by more and more people.
Capable and Flexible
Organization
We have the teams, systems, and technology to launch new initiatives and strategies and respond to change.
Expanding Circle
of Commitment
We support our learners, families, schools, and communities through a growing, diverse, and inclusive circle of committed champions.
A Brief History
In 1983, researcher and Stern Center President Emerita Dr. Blanche Podhajski (pictured above) formed a nonprofit organization to provide evaluations and direct instruction for individuals, deliver professional learning for educators and physicians, and conduct research on effective educational practices. Funded by an initial grant from the Bernice and Milton Stern Foundation, The Center for Language and Cerebral Function, known since 1988 as the Stern Center for Language and Learning, opened in Vermont. In 2008, visionary philanthropist Cynthia K. Hoehl established the Stern Center’s Hoehl Institute, endowing a fund to support access to high-quality professional learning for teachers. In 2021, Dr. Laurie Quinn was appointed the Stern Center’s second President. For the latest in the Stern Center’s story, please see our Annual Reports.
Meet Our Team
Our Board of Directors
As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, the Stern Center for Language and Learning is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Board members, together with the Stern Center’s executive leaders, chart a course for continued organizational growth and sustainability. With their skills, knowledge, commitment, community ties, and long-term vision, the Stern Center’s Board stewards our mission and champions our success. We are proud to consistently achieve 100% philanthropic participation by our Board of Directors, who meet quarterly and serve on Board Committees focused on key areas of organizational stewardship. Directors are elected to the Board in recognition of their integrity, diligence, and dedication of time and talent. An Honorary Board of Directors expands the Stern Center’s reach and includes distinguished members whose legacy of service and connection to the organization merits special recognition.
Work at the Stern Center
Do you love to learn continuously? Are you interested in being part of an organization that is dedicated to life-changing learning for all? If so, you could find your professional home on our team at the Stern Center. Please contact our Human Resources Director (hcastillo@sterncenter.org) if you’re interested in learning more about the work of our service providers, our executive leadership roles, or seeking to explore career opportunities.
News & Resources
Keep learning and stay in the know with resources from our experts. Read the latest news about our Stern Center teams, programs, and partnerships.
Help Change a Learner’s Life Today
Every child deserves an education that prepares them for all the future has to offer. Your gifts enable us to provide the critical resources, caring support, and proven approaches to help more learners reach their full potential.
Get Started
Ready to talk with us about your specific questions, or want to learn more details? Get in touch with our team here.
