Marge Werner
Director, Nursery School
Office: Elisabeth Amen Nursery School
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 to 3:00
Phone: 508-286-8220
Fax: 508-286-8238
Email: mwerner@wheatonma.edu
Degrees
Ed.S., University of Colorado
M.A., Bridgewater State College
B.S., Ohio University
Main Interests
My main interest is in early childhood education and special education. I am very concerned about the "Hurried Child" and the emphasis in our culture and education on standardized testing. I feel that we should teach children in ways so they will love learning and become life long learners, critical thinkers and not individuals who simply repeat facts.
As the director of the Elisabeth Amen Nursery school I work closely with college students who observe or do research. I also work with parents by conducting workshops and helping them to understand that education is not a race, but a process.
Research Interests
The nursery school provides opportunities for students to do research in a variety of areas. Recent research projects have included the influence the media has on young children, children's attitudes toward adoption, children's attitudes and impressions regarding doctors and hospital experiences.
Teaching Interests
I currently teach the special education course at Wheaton and, from time to time, "Teaching and Learning and Issues In Early Education." I have also taught first year seminars on the topic "Am I Living Out My Parent’s Dream?" I also teach graduate courses for Wheelock College. In the past I have taught for Fisher College and in the international graduate level program for Framingham State College.
Other Interests
I have been a member of the school committee for the town of Norton for the past four years and am very active in NAECTE, National Association for Early Childhood Teacher Education. I am a certified school psychologist and maintain my membership in this group, as well as NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Apart from teaching I love to travel and have been to Russia, Italy, the Scandavian countries and Western Europe. When not working or traveling I love to garden and to read, especially Harry Potter. I have a cat, a dog and two grandchildren.