Theresa White, MAT, A/OGA

Instructor

Theresa White graduated from Providence College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She worked as a Policy Associate at Rhode Island Kids Count for five years, where she created policy recommendations for state-wide and community-level programs to support children and families. After that, she pursued a Master’s Degree in teaching from Brown University. Before working at Stern Center, she taught elementary students in central Vermont schools for the past 17 years.

Theresa’s interest in structured literacy started with her Classroom Educator training at the Stern Center in 2016. Her first practicum student’s success demonstrated the power of the Orton Gillingham approach, which not only improved reading and spelling skills but also built self-confidence and transformed self-image. Her students began to see themselves as readers with the knowledge and skills to engage meaningfully in their schoolwork. Inspired by this, Theresa continued her Orton Gillingham training, earned her Associate credential, and is now ready to apply for her Certified credential. She believes that every student can become a successful, confident reader, and that we should honor their intellect throughout the journey.

Theresa and her family live in central Vermont in a solar-powered, strawbale house they built by hand. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and singing with choral groups. One of her favorite quotes is from Anatole France, “Nine tenths of education is encouragement.” She is excited to be a part of the Stern Center team!