Heather E Gerker

Heather is a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Cincinnati, where she is studying educational policy, serving as a graduate assistant for the Mandel Teacher Educator Institute, and as a teaching assistant with Dr. Vicki Plano Clark. She holds a B.F.A. in Electronic Media, an M. Ed. in early childhood education with a concentration in Montessori pedagogy and a Master's in Education Leadership. She has taught in various educational settings, including teacher education, preschool, kindergarten, and Montessori early childhood classrooms. Heather is passionate about organizing for advocacy, amplifying educator voices in policy work, facilitating learning, and connecting with communities. Her current scholarship critically analyzes educational policies and practices, emphasizing Montessori pedagogy in public schools.

Master of Early Childhood Education: Endicott College Massachusetts, 2007 (Early Childhood Education)

Bachelor of Fine Arts : University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH, 2004 (Electronic Media)

Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Credential: Northeast Montessori Institute Boston, MA, 2007 (Montessori early childhood education)

Master's Degree: University of Cincinnati 2023 (Educational Leadership)

Peer Reviewed Publications

Gerker, H.E. (2023. ) Making Sense of Montessori Teacher Identity, Montessori Pedagogy, and Educational Policies in Public Schools.Journal of Montessori Research, , 9 (1 ) , More Information