Kathryn Spence

Kathryn Spence

Director, School of Education
Peter Sammartino School of Education

CONTACT INFORMATION

Courses

• Seminar in Professional Practice II
• Seminar in Professional Practice III
• Effective Reading Instruction
• Urban Education
• Advanced Clinical Practice

Research

• Teacher preparation
• Teacher induction
• Attrition and retention
• School change
• Anti-bias and anti-racist teaching and learning
• Equity in education
• Professional development
• Action research

Education

• BA, Susquehanna University
• MA, EdD, Teachers College, Columbia University

Academic Profile

My experiences as a 7-12 English Language Arts teacher and professional development coach in a range of settings, including rural VT, suburban MD, and urban NYC, have led to my commitment to equitable public education for all students. Teaching as a professor of education is one way that commitment becomes actionable.

My work with pre-service and practicing teachers is focused on preparing and supporting educators in creating inclusive, equitable K-12 learning environments and learning experiences for all students. I structure my classes and teaching to model best practices that can be applied in K-12 settings so that when my students become teachers in their own classrooms, they will be able to implement similarly effective approaches. My research documents evidence of school settings where innovative practices or equitable education strategies are being implemented. My research with schools and districts keeps my practice and knowledge of the realities and challenges of teaching current.