Researcher Spotlight

Paula Thompson,
University of Nebraska Kearney

Paula Thompson is an assistant professor in the Teacher Education Department at the University of Nebraska Kearney.

What is the future direction for your early childhood research?
"I will continue to focus on early childhood workforce development by further exploring the characteristics and professional development needs of early childhood coaches. In addition, I plan to further investigate parent and provider perceptions of family engagement activities and opportunities."

Are there any new research projects or activities you are starting on now?
"I am working with Dr. Jane Strawhecker and Dr. Dena Harshbarger, focusing on early childhood teacher preparation for supporting early childhood STEM development, particularly for young children ages 3 to 5. In addition, I am in the planning stage with Dr. Susan Catapano on a project that will investigate the professional development needs of rural early childhood professional."

What is a strength of early childhood research at the University of Nebraska? 
"I am so impressed with the diverse topics that have been and are currently being investigated within the university system, across many disciplines. The impact of the early childhood expertise that exists in Nebraska, particularly within the university, was evident during the recent pandemic. Practitioners and researchers worked together to provide a variety of vital resources/supports (e.g., virtual training, health and safety procedures, family engagement strategies) that were rapidly and systematically disseminated to the Nebraska early childhood workforce. Working together, sharing our individual and collective expertise, increased access to research and evidence-based knowledge during a vital period in our history."

How can effective collaborations enhance the research enterprise?
"The early childhood field is charged with supporting young children and their families through individualized care and education service delivery. As an early childhood practitioner, it is often difficult to know all you need to know about the early childhood population and the many contexts in which they live and grow. Unique research collaborations across disciplines and perspectives can bridge gaps, increasing the knowledge for all involved."

Contact Paula at thompsonpj@unk.edu.


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