Herkimer College Appoints Dr. Vernold as Assistant Professor/Director of Education Programs

Herkimer, NY—Herkimer County Community College has announced the appointment of Dr. Eric Vernold, Rome, NY, to the position of Assistant Professor/Director of Education Programs. In addition to teaching education courses, Vernold will be responsible for developing and maintaining practicum and internships for education majors with school-based partners and placing, monitoring and evaluating students participating in practicum and internship experiences.

Vernold has been employed at Herkimer College since 2013, most recently as an assistant dean of academic affairs overseeing the College Now program and adjunct faculty. He also has served as College Now specialist and interim registrar, as well as an adjunct instructor.

Vernold has extensive experience in secondary education as a principal, assistant principal and history teacher, as well as a Committee on Special Education (CSE) chairperson. He has worked as an administrator in the Utica, Rome and Adirondack school districts, and as a teacher in the NY Mills, Camden and Adirondack districts and at the House of the Good Shepherd.

Vernold holds permanent New York State certifications in School District Administration and School Administrator/Supervisor. He is also certified in New York State to teach social studies and reading.

Vernold holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in reading from SUNY Cortland and a doctorate in education in educational leadership from NOVA Southeastern University. He also earned a certificate in advanced study in educational administration from SUNY Cortland. Professional memberships include the American Association of School Administrators and the National Association of Secondary Principals.

Herkimer College offers several education programs including Childhood Education (A.S.), Early Childhood (AAS), and Teacher Assistant certificate.

The Childhood Education program prepares students interested in becoming an elementary school teacher. Students are prepared for transfer to a four-year institution by completing general education coursework including courses in their chosen area of concentration such as English, history/social studies, biology, chemistry or math. Several transfer agreements exist with four-year colleges and universities.

The Early Childhood program prepares students to work as teacher assistants and teachers in child day care centers, preschools, head start programs, and other early childhood facilities.

The Teaching Assistant certificate is a one-year program that prepares students for work as a teaching assistant while obtaining a core of college-level courses that may be applied to a degree program.