The Patty Morgan Scholarship

Awarded annually, this scholarship will cover the costs of the VT-HEC endorsement or initial licensure programs for one early childhood educator (ECE) or early childhood special educator (ECSE).

In honor of Patty Morgan’s important contributions to VT-HEC and K-12 education, we have established the Patty Morgan Scholarship. As professional learning funds are limited for early educators, many of whom work in private settings, Patty requested that the annual scholarship be awarded to a student beginning in the Early Childhood Education or Early Childhood Special Education program.

The Patty Morgan Scholarship will benefit an applicant who convincingly demonstrates and documents:

  • A dedication to the success and well-being of young children of Vermont;
  • The motivation to successfully complete the program and become a superior professional in the early childhood field.

supporting early educators

The Patty Morgan Scholarship

Application Form

The Patty Morgan Scholarship covers the selected applicant’s VT-HEC tuition costs and fees not covered by other funding sources available to the applicant. Candidates currently enrolled in the VT-HEC ECE or ECSE programs are not eligible for this scholarship.

Questions? Email the Director of EC/ECSE Programs: [email protected]

To qualify for the Patty Morgan Scholarship, applicants must:

  • Work at least 20 hours per week in an early childhood setting defined as serving “Infants through Grade 3.”
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Apply to a VT-HEC ECE or ECSE initial licensure or endorsement program.
  • Commit to teaching as an ECE or ECSE educator for at least two years after completing the program.
  • Enroll in and successfully complete all courses, required educator testing, seminars, and field experiences outlined in the Personalized Program Plan within the specified timeframe.
  • Maintain a minimum of a B in all courses.
  • Comply with all program requirements as outlined in the VT-HEC EC/ECSE Initial Licensure Candidate Handbook or the VT-HEC EC/ECSE Endorsement Candidate Handbook.

The application process involves multiple steps. Complete the following before submitting your application:

  • Apply for a VSAC Advancement Grant. You will need to submit documentation of VSAC’s determination of your application.
  • Apply for a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship if you work in a licensed or registered 0-5 early childhood program. If not, skip this step.
  • Have your employer complete the professional development funding form verifying the amount of funding your employer anticipates providing you during your two-year program.
  • Obtain a written reference from your employer or other professional.
  • Prepare a 300-500 word essay using the following prompt:
    • Why do you want to become licensed or endorsed in ECE or ECSE? What has prompted your decision? Why do you think you would make a good ECE or ECSE? Why are you applying for this scholarship?
  • Complete the program application form below.

Once you finish all the steps above, complete the program application form (link coming soon). You will be required to upload the following documents in PDF format:

  • Your transcripts (unofficial are acceptable)
  • A current resume
  • VSAC determination documentation 
  • T.E.A.C.H. documentation (if applicable)
  • Completed and signed employer Professional Development Funding Form
  • A written reference letter
  • Your personal essay

Apply Now

Who is Patty Morgan?

For nearly 20 years, Patty Morgan was integral to VT-HEC’s growth and accomplishments. As our Program Director she designed high quality, relevant, and research-based professional development opportunities for educators, as well as spear-headed VT-HEC’s expansion into multiple licensing endorsement areas.

Just before Patty retired in 2022, she shepherded VT-HEC through the process for state approval for both endorsement and initial licensing in special education, early childhood education, and early childhood special education.

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