Caren Harrington

A psychiatric nurse by profession, Caren Harrington always wanted to pursue a career in teaching history, be it in a classroom setting or at a museum. As an interpreter of living history, she has worked for more than 20 years with local sites, including Old Sturbridge Village and the Stone House Museum in Belchertown, to share her love of the past with today’s youths.

“History has always been something I’ve enjoyed,” said Caren. “It’s been my passion to share with my audience the impact history has on our lives by bringing them ‘back-in-time’ as a way to engage them in history and connect them to the past.”

When Caren learned of the One-Day Program, it was an opportunity to fit her dream of teaching history into her busy life, and Bay Path’s accelerated program propelled Caren to continue her education. Today, she is pursuing two graduate degrees—a master’s degree from Tufts University’s Museum Education Program and a master’s degree in education with an initial teacher license through the University of Massachusetts Amherst program, Master of Education: 180 Days in Springfield. “I found that I excelled in an intense program like the One-Day-A-Week Saturday College,” said Caren. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of the 180-day program because I know I will succeed. This time next year, I will begin my career as a history teacher.”

Caren, who was recently accepted into the UMass program, is expected to start her student-teaching and practicum this fall at the Renaissance School, an expeditionary learning school for middle and high school students in Springfield, MA. “This is right where I want to be,” said Caren. “The Renaissance School supports interdisciplinary teaching and experiential learning. It’s a great environment to tie in my work as a historic interpreter and provide a high quality education to children and teenagers.

In addition to teaching students at the Renaissance School, Caren can picture herself stepping into a new role after receiving her master’s degrees. “Ultimately, I would love to come back to the Central Mass. Campus, and teach history to women pursuing their education at Bay Path’s One-Day-A-Week Saturday College,” said Caren.