Judith A. Gifford
N5126 410th Street
Menomonie, Wisconsin 54751
Phone: 715-233-0113
E-mail: giffordj@uwstout.edu
Education
1991, University of Wisconsin—Superior
Completed Wisconsin certification requirements for Elementary Administration
1988, University of Wisconsin—River Falls
Completed Wisconsin certification requirements for Grades K-8
1983, M.S., University of Wisconsin—Stout
Home Economics Education
Concentration—Early Childhood Education
1971, B.S., University of Wisconsin—Stout
Early Childhood Education
Licenses
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
40
Professional Educator
45
Elementary Teacher
088
Pre-Kindergarten Through Grade Eight
Professional Positions
2007-present, Director and Lecturer
Child & Family Study Center, School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Stout,
Menomonie, Wisconsin
Direct operations of the CFSC, supervise teaching staff, graduate assistants, and assistant
teachers, along with teaching courses for students majoring in ECE at UW-Stout. Supervise
student teachers as assigned. Courses taught include Administration, Administration of Early
Childhood Programs, DAP: Preschool, Guidance for Young Children, Advanced Classroom Management,
Math Curriculum for ECE, and Supervision of Student Teachers.
2006-2007, Lecturer
Early Childhood Education, School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Stout,
Menomonie, Wisconsin
Supervised twenty-six student teachers and taught Observing and Guiding Young
Children and Advanced Classroom Management for pre-service educators.
2003-2006, Substitute Teacher
Eagle County School District, Eagle County, Colorado
2000-2003, Adjunct Instructor
Colorado Mountain College, Vail, Colorado
Taught Instructional Methodology to continuing education students.
1993-2006, Training Coordinator
Vail Valley Ace Hardware, Vail, Colorado
Designed, implemented and evaluated orientation and training program for all staff positions.
Focused on cross-training and systems of implementation.
1991-1993, Elementary Principal
School District of the Menomonie Area
Responsible for effective instructional leadership and management of Knapp, Lucas, and
North Elementary Schools. Worked with staff to create effective school-wide
enrichment programs focusing on problem solving, integrated thematic curriculum, and
Native American studies, as well as school wide behavior management systems.
1988-1991, Elementary Instructor
School District of the Menomonie Area
Primary responsibilities as classroom instructor for first and second grades and Gifted &
Talented Building Coordinator. Accomplishments included implementation of the Tin
Kid Pentathlon, a multi-faceted all-school event.
1985-1992, 1981-1982, Adjunct Instructor, Part-time
Chippewa Valley Technical Institute
Taught child development and early childhood courses to continuing education students.
1973-1985, Child & Family Study Center, University of Wisconsin—Stout
Responsibilities included ensuring developmentally appropriate classroom instruction for children from
birth to five years, integrated thematic curriculum design, implementation and evaluation, and
supervision of student teachers and college students enrolled in Early Childhood Education. Taught at all
levels of early childhood education offered through the Child & Family Study Center programs and
modeled developmentally appropriate practices. Included programs designed for infants, toddlers, two
year olds three year olds, four year olds, and five year olds, as well as mixed age groupings.
1983-1985, 1980-1981, Instructor/Academic Staff
Department of Human Development, Family Living and Educational Services
University of Wisconsin—Stout
Courses taught: Child Guidance, Parent Education, Creative Activities for Young Children, American Study
Tour of Child Development Programs, Kindergarten and Early Childhood Materials Development.
Supervised Kindergarten student teachers in Menomonie, Chippewa Falls, and Eau Claire.
1984-1985, 1979-1980, Project Director/Specialist
Nutrition Education and Training Grant funded through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
University of Wisconsin—Stout
Planned and implemented twenty-two nutrition education seminars for Wisconsin early childhood
educators and child care services personnel throughout the state of Wisconsin
1972-1973, Director and Preschool Teacher
Evansville Elementary School, Evansville, Wisconsin
Directed and taught Title I Preschool program operated within the public school setting; program focused
on self-concept as related to school achievement.
1971-1972, Teacher/Director
St. Croix County Head Start, Glenwood City, Wisconsin
West Central Wisconsin Community Action Agency
Responsibilities included curriculum design and implementation, classroom instruction, supervision of
staff, parent education, and home visitation.
Scholarly Activities
Courses recently taught at University of Wisconsin-Stout:
ECE-264
ECE-307
ECE-364
ECE-411
ECE-421
ECE-426
EDUC-727
EDUC-726
Guidance in Preschool & Kindergarten
Developmentally Appropriate Practice-Preschool
Observing and Guiding Young Children
Early Childhood Curriculum—Math
Administration of Early Childhood Programs
Advanced Classroom Management
Supervision of Student Teachers
Administration
Directorship:
Child & Family Study Center, 2007-present
Accreditation:
National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2009
National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2014
Collaborations:
School of Art & Design, Dave Beck’s Monster Art Project, 2014
Physical Development Through the Lifespan, Physical Education Department, 2014
ECE-435 Children, Families, Schools, & Community-2013-present
School Psychology Cohort-2012-present
Art Education, 2012-present
Sustainable Agriculture Education Association, Preschool Garden Project, 2010-present
TEACH Pre-College, 2009-present
4-K Menomonie Area Partners for Early Learning, 2007-present
PK-12 Initiative, 2007-2008, served as advisor for a first year teacher
Capstone Projects for senior students completing final projects in Industrial Design,
Sustainability, 2009-present
Research Projects with students majoring in Human Development and Family
Studies, 2008-present
Grants Awarded:
School District of the Menomonie Area—4-K Grant, 2014-15
DPI Nutrition Mini-Grant—2014
School District of the Menomonie Area—4-K Grant, 2013-14
School District of the Menomonie Area—4-K Grant, 2012-13
UW-Stout Lab Modification Grant, 2012 Infant & Toddler Kitchen and Dining Renovation
School District of the Menomonie Area—4-K Grant, 2011-12
DCF Young Star Training Grant, 2010
School District of the Menomonie Area—4-K Grant, 2010-11
Wisconsin DPI Food &Nutrition Mini-Grant,2010-2011
School District of the Menomonie Area—4-K Grant, 2009-10
UW-Stout Lab Modification Grant, 2009 Playground Renovation
School District of the Menomonie Area—4-K Grant, 2008-9
UW-Stout Lab Modification Grant, 2008 Observation Booth Improvement
Wisconsin Arts Board Grant, 1992-1993 Infusion of Native American Art, Culture and Music into
Fourth Grade Elementary Curriculum
Department of Public Instruction Grant, 1984-1985, Nutrition Education for Wisconsin Day Care
Personnel
Continued Education and Specialized Training
UW-Stout Human Subjects Training, 2014
Mandated Reporter Online Training, 2014
Teaching Strategies Gold Assessment Training, 2014
Fire Safety, Risk Management, & Asbestos Awareness Training, 2014
Advanced Early Education Seminar, Toni & Robin Christie, UW-Madison, 2014
Building a Strong Language Foundation for Infants & Toddlers, Online Training, 2014
EdTPA Evaluation Training, Eau Claire, WI, 2014
Sexual Harassment Prevention & Child Abuse & Neglect, UW-Stout, 2014
Supervisory Development Program at UW-Stout, 2013-2014
Ethics in Education, Elizabeth Buchanan, UW-Stout, 2013
Administering Medications Accurately, Amy Burns, CFSC, 2013
Allergy Awareness Training, Jo Hopp, CFSC, 2013
Asthma Inhaler Training, Ramie McMahon, CFSC, 2013
Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Mandatory Reporter Training, 2012
Institute for Higher Education Summer Institute, 2012
Executive Order #45 Training, 2012
Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scales Training, 2012
Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Mandatory Reporter Training, 2012
MIMIO Interactive Whiteboard Training, 2011, 2012
Asbestos Awareness Training, 2011
Young Star Getting Started Orientation, 2011
Colorado State University: Teaching With the Brain in Mind (3 credits) 2010
Colorado State University: What Great Teachers Do Differently (3 credits) 2010
Fitness & Nutrition Through Play, sponsored by Mayo Health Systems, 2010.
“Train the Trainer” Instruction for Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness training, 2010.
Portland State University—CEU, 2009.
Ethics in ECE, 2009
Nakatani Teaching and Learning Center Online Teaching Institute, 2009.
Civil Rights Training, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
Fire Safety and Risk Management Training, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013.
Pediatric First Aid & CPR Training, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013
Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness training, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
Sudden Infant Death Prevention training, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011.
Grant Writing Workshop, 2008.
NAEYC Accreditation Readiness Training, 2008.
Publications
Gifford, J. (2009). Building relationships: The key to developing social competence in young children.
PACE: Practical Approaches for Continuing Education, Volume 03, Number 4, 12-18.
Gifford, J. (2009). Circle times or morning meetings—make them marvelous! PACE: Practical Approaches
for Continuing Education, Volume 03, Number 3, 12-17.
Gifford, J. (2008). Using time management strategies to work smarter, not harder. PACE: Practical
Approaches for Continuing Education, Volume 02, Number 04, 1-7.
Service to University and Community
2014
2013-present
2012
2011, 2012
2011
2010-present
2010-2011
2010, 2011, 2012
2009-present
2009-present
2009-present
2009-present
2007-present
2007-2010
2009-present
2009
2007-present
2008
2007
2007-present
2007-present
2007
Board of Directors, Community Foundation of Dunn County, Dunn County,
Wisconsin
Guest Speaker at Stout Association for the Education of Young Children
Child Care Partnership Resource & Referral Board
Guest Speaker at Stout Association for the Education of Young Children
Search Committees for Educational Psychology, CFSC
CEHHS Potential for Excellence Scholarship Essay Reviewer
UW-Stout Art Education Advisory Committee
CEHHS Writing Guidelines Committee
Reality Zone, Menomonie Senior High School
Guest Speaker in Dr. J. Hopp’s Physics course
Advisor to Student Wisconsin Education Association at UW-Stout
Menomonie High School Family & Consumer Science Education Advisory Board
UW-Stout Early Childhood Education Advisory Committee
Menomonie Area Partners for Early Learning
Senate of Academic Staff
Academic Staff Personnel Committee
Laptop Deployment for incoming Freshmen
Search Committees for four different positions across campus
Into the Book Group Leader for incoming Freshmen
Into the Book Group Leader for incoming Freshmen
UW System Child Care Center Directors
School District of the Menomonie Area 4-K Directors
Participation in HDFS Jail to create awareness of and
prevention of Violence Against Women on campus
Recent Conference & Other Presentations
“Using Blockbulding to Boost Learning in Math, Literacy, and Science,” National Association for the
Education of Young Children Annual Conference, Dallas, Texas, 2014.
“Director Guided Tour of Child & Family Study Center Programs,” Family and Consumer Sciences
Education Conference, Menomonie, Wisconsin, 2014.
“Use of Online Record Keeping Technology to Provide Documentary Evidence for NAEYC Accreditation,”
UW-Madison Child Care Center Directors, Madison, 2014.
“Using Blockbuilding to Incorporate STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math in Your
Blockbuilding Area,” Early Childhood Education Conference, Menomonie, Wisconsin, 2014.
“Blockbuilding Blast-Off: Using Blockbuilding to Boost Learning in Math, Literacy, and Science,” Launching
Into Literacy & Math Conference, Madison, Wisconsin, 2014.
“Director Guided Tour of Child & Family Study Center Programs,” Family and Consumer Sciences
Education Conference, Menomonie, Wisconsin, 2013.
“Let’s Talk Technology,” Early Childhood Education Conference, Menomonie, Wisconsin, 2013.
“Director Guided Tour of Child & Family Study Center Programs,” Family and Consumer Sciences
Education Conference, Menomonie, Wisconsin, 2012.
“Move Your Body, Change Your Brain,” and “Marvelous Meetings: Making the Most of Your Morning
Meeting,” Early Childhood Education Conference, Menomonie, Wisconsin, 2012.
“Technology: Improving Practices, Effectiveness and Efficiency,” Pre-Conference of Early Childhood
Education Conference, Menomonie, Wisconsin, 2012.
“Caring For Our Earth: A Curriculum for Preschool Children,” National Association for the Education of
Young Children Annual Conference & Expo, Orlando, Florida, 2011.
“Literacy for the Youngest Learners,” Annual Conference of the International Reading Association,
Orlando, FL, 2011.
“Documenting and Sharing Children’s Learning,” Early Childhood Education Conference, Menomonie,
Wisconsin, 2011.
“Move Your Body, Change Your Brain,” National Coalition of Campus Child Care Centers Annual
Conference, San Diego, California, 2011.
“Six Habits of Highly Effective Teachers,” National Association for the Education of Young Children Annual
Conference & Expo, Anaheim, California, 2010.
“Using Morning Meeting Strategies to Build Your Team,” National Coalition of Campus Child Care Centers
Annual Conference, Orlando, Florida, 2010.
“Guided Tour of Child & Family Study Center Programs,” Family and Consumer Sciences Education
Conference, Menomonie, Wisconsin, 2009.
“Effective Guidance in the Early Childhood Classroom,” Early Childhood Mini-Conference, Prescott, WI,
2009
“Marvelous Meetings: Making the Most of Your Morning Meeting,” Early Childhood Education
Conference, Menomonie, Wisconsin, 2008, 2009, 2010.
“The ABC’s of Effective Guidance: Creating a Caring Community” and “Promoting Learning & Reducing
Conflict: Effective Classroom Environments,” Early Childhood Education Conference, Menomonie,
Wisconsin, 2007.
“Trends in Guiding Young Children,” Preconference Workshop, Early Childhood Education Conference,
Menomonie, Wisconsin, 2007.
“The Lucas School Model: Integrated Thematic Instruction,” Wisconsin Association of School
Boards/Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators Conference, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1992.
Previous presentations included twenty-six sessions at local, regional, state, and national conferences of
early childhood professionals.
Professional Development
December, 2014
November, 2014
May, 2014
April, 2014
March, 2014
April, 2013
November, 2012
April, 2012
November, 2011
July, 2011
May, 2011
April, 2011
April, 2011
November, 2010
September, 2010
September, 2010
April, 2010
April, 2010
November, 2009
April, 2009
November, 2008
June, 2008
June, 2008
April, 2008
November, 2007
June, 2007
April, 2007
Completed “Words Matter,” 3 cr., CO State University
National Association for the Education of Young Children Conference, Dallas, TX
World Forum on Early Care & Education, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Early Childhood Conference, Menomonie, WI
Launching Into Literacy & Math Conference, Madison, WI
Early Childhood Conference, Menomonie, WI
NAEYC Annual Conference, Atlanta, Georgia
Early Childhood Conference, Menomonie, WI
NAEYC Annual Conference, Orlando, FL
Advancing the STEM Agenda for Education, K-12 Outreach Workshop,
Menomonie, WI
International Reading Association Conference, Orlando, FL
Early Childhood Conference, Menomonie, WI
National Coalition of Campus Child Care Centers Conference, San Diego, CA
NAEYC Annual Conference, Anaheim, CA
Completed “Teaching with the Brain in Mind,” 3 cr., CO State University
Completed “What Great Teachers Do Differently,” 3 cr., CO State University
Early Childhood Conference, Menomonie, WI
National Coalition of Campus Child Care Centers Conference, Orlando, FL
NAEYC Annual Conference, Washington, D.C.
Early Childhood Conference, Menomonie, WI
NAEYC Annual Conference, Dallas, TX
NAEYC Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development, New Orleans,
LA
Faculty College, University of Wisconsin System, Richland Center, WI
Early Childhood Conference, Menomonie, WI
NAEYC Annual Conference, Chicago, IL
NAEYC Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development,
Pittsburgh, PA
Early Childhood Conference, Menomonie, WI
Selected Professional Development Activities prior to 2007:
Instructional Leadership and Coaching Workshop, School District of the
Menomonie Area, Menomonie, Wisconsin
International Study Seminar in schools located in Wales, Great Britain and
Scotland: four weeks in summer, 1989, 1990.
Conferences sponsored by the Wisconsin Education Association, Wisconsin
Association of Elementary Administrators, Wisconsin Association of School
Boards.
Parents On Your Side workshop, River Falls, Wisconsin
Mathematics Their Way week-long workshop, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Cray Research Academy, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Consultant for the Stockbridge-Munsee Head Start, Stockbridge-Munsee Indian
Reservation, Bowler, WI, for six years.
Member of Committee for Early Childhood Conference, University of
Wisconsin—Stout
Advisor for Child Development Associate (CDA) candidates in Wisconsin.
Professional Organizations
Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Alpha Tau Chapter, 2009-present
UW-System Child Care Center Directors Association, 2007-present
National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2006-present
National Coalition of Campus Child Care Centers, 2007-2013
Wisconsin Chapter of NCCCC, 2007-present
Wisconsin Early Childhood Association, 2006-present
Association for Childhood Education International, 2008-present
Community Involvement
Board of Directors, Community Foundation of Dunn County, Dunn County, Wisconsin, 2014
Advisory Board, Child Care Partnership Resource & Referral, Western Dairyland CAP, 2012-present
Board of Directors, Family Resource Center, Dunn County, Wisconsin
Board of Directors, Eagle Valley Child Care Association, Eagle County, Colorado
Boy Scout Troop 232, Troop Committee and Cub Scout leader, Vail, Colorado
Church Council, Mount of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Vail, Colorado
District Accountability Committee, Eagle County School District, Colorado
Parent Teachers Association, Red Sandstone Elementary School, Vail, Colorado. Held offices of President,
Treasurer, Wild West Days Representative, and Parent Coordinator for Reading Olympics.
Church Council, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Menomonie, Wisconsin
4H Project Leader, Sunset Valley 4H, Dunn County, Wisconsin
Girl Scout leader, Menomonie, Wisconsin
Menomonie Theater Guild, Assisted in many past productions, served as Box Office Chair/Board of
Directors/Properties Chair