Dr. Kristen White, Northern Michigan University, United States
Kristen L. White is an Assistant Professor at Northern Michigan University, specializing in language and literacy within the School of Education, Leadership, and Public Service. With a strong foundation in elementary education and bilingual instruction, she has dedicated her career to advancing the quality of teacher preparation programs. Dr. White earned her Ph.D. from Michigan State University, focusing on the intersection of reading instruction and assessment in early education. Her research addresses critical issues such as cultural relevance in pedagogy and anti-bias education, aiming to create inclusive learning environments for diverse students. In addition to her academic work, she has authored numerous articles and book chapters on literacy practices and teacher education.
Professional Profile
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Summary of Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award
Kristen L. White is a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award due to her extensive background in education and her focus on culturally relevant pedagogy, literacy instruction, and critical racial literacy. As an Assistant Professor at Northern Michigan University, Dr. White’s contributions to the field of education are evident in her numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters. Her research addresses important contemporary issues such as anti-bias/anti-racist teaching, culturally responsive pedagogy, and confronting white liberalism in teacher education.
Education
Dr. Kristen L. White holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Education, with a specialization in Language and Literacy, from Michigan State University (2018). Her dissertation explored the critical aspects of reading instruction, assessment, and classroom interactions. Prior to her doctorate, she earned a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Madonna University (2011), focusing on integrating technology into classrooms for effective teaching and learning. Dr. White also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, with minors in Spanish and Bilingual Education, from Michigan State University (1995). This diverse academic background equips her to navigate complex educational environments, with expertise in both theoretical and practical elements of literacy and bilingual education.
Experience
Kristen L. White has extensive experience in K-12 education, particularly in elementary settings. She has held various teaching roles, including as a First and Fourth Grade Teacher at Jefferson Elementary School (1991-2001), a K-5 Media Specialist (2001-2004), and a K-5 Technology Teacher and 6-8 Grade Spanish Teacher (2007-2009). Since 2018, she has been an Assistant Professor at Northern Michigan University, where she focuses on preparing future educators to tackle real-world challenges in language and literacy education. Dr. White also maintains active engagement in research, co-authoring several peer-reviewed journal articles and presenting her work at prominent educational conferences, contributing to the evolving discourse on literacy education and teacher preparation.
Awards and Honors
Throughout her career, Dr. Kristen L. White has earned recognition for her contributions to education. Notably, her work in literacy instruction and teacher preparation has been acknowledged with invitations to present at prestigious conferences, such as the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and the Michigan Reading Association (MRA). She has co-authored award-winning publications, including collaborative works on culturally relevant pedagogy and anti-bias education. Her scholarly contributions have also been recognized in leading journals, earning accolades for advancing equity in education. Dr. White’s commitment to academic excellence and community engagement has solidified her reputation as a leading voice in the field of teacher education.
Research Focus
Dr. White’s research centers on literacy education, with a specific focus on how racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity shapes teaching and learning. She investigates critical pedagogical practices that disrupt traditional norms, promoting anti-bias and anti-racist approaches in teacher preparation. Her work also explores the role of assessment and reading instruction in elementary classrooms, particularly in how these intersect with students’ identities and experiences. Dr. White’s research seeks to empower educators to create more inclusive and equitable learning environments, ultimately aiming to improve educational outcomes for all students, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Publications Top Notes
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Adopting and Adapting Michigan’s Tenth Literacy Practice: Collaboration with Families
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Partnering with Families for Student Success: 24 Case Scenarios for Problem Solving with Parents
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Working with Racially, Culturally, and Linguistically Diverse Learners, Families, and Communities: Strategies for Preparing Preservice Teachers
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Mentoring as More than “Cheerleading”: Looking at Educative Mentoring Practices through Mentor’s Eyes
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What’s Right with Gavin? Examining Literacy Practices of an Emergent Neurodivergent Youth