Patricia M. Clark

Patricia Clark came to the University of Maine at Augusta as a Libra Professor of Early Childhood in 2001 after a career that ranged from editing a weekly newspaper to nearly two decades as a kindergarten teacher. At UMA she teaches a wide range of courses, including early childhood, special education, human services, and psychology. Many of her classes can be applied toward state certifications.

In 2007 Clark earned a prestigious year-long national fellowship to work at the Office of Head Start in Washington, D.C., in the division of training and technical assistance. She provided professional development services both online and face to face, presented at national and international conferences, and chaired two national committees: one for Technical Assistance and another the Professional Education Network, composed of early childhood higher education and professional development representatives from Hawaii to Maine. In the spring, she completed research in London on Sure Start, the English equivalent of Head Start. She also designed the first online newsletters for Head Start trainers and technical assistants throughout the country and U.S.territories.

One of her Fellowship projects, A Head Start in Picturing America, offers teachers a guide to explore art with preschoolers. It is free from the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC) at: http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc

The ECLKC, produced by the Office of Head Start and available to all offers teachers, directors, and parents information on many areas of early childhood and higher education.”One of her Fellowship projects, A Head Start in Picturing America, offers teachers a guide to explore art with preschoolers. It is free from the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC) at: http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc 

As a former preschool, kindergarten, middle school, and adult education teacher, Clark brings more than 20 years of classroom experience to her courses. She loves teaching at UMA because the students are enthusiastic, curious, and responsible for their own learning. She enjoys seeing students put theory into practice and demonstrating an understanding of child development. She is a passionate advocate for children and families.

Her educational background includes Bachelor of Arts degrees in journalism and French from Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, NE, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Nebraska, as well as a Master’s in Special Education from the University of Southern Maine. She is ABD (All But Dissertation) for a doctorate in Early Intervention/Special Education and Public Policy from the University of Maine. Her research focuses on literacy in Head Start and preschool.