WELCOME TO ECEE
Meet the Chair

Laura May
Laura May, faculty member in the College of Education & Human Development’s Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education (ECEE), has been named ECEE department chairs effective July 1.
A former elementary teacher and literacy specialist, May studies how literacy teachers use talk and texts in ways that increase students’ educational opportunities and how pre-service teachers develop more equitable ways with words and texts. This work primarily takes place within the context of teacher read-alouds in culturally and linguistically diverse settings.
“ECEE is a dynamic department as evidenced by innovative programs, student success, increased funding for research and practice-based activities, and strong relationships with community partners,” May said. “We are committed to maintaining a healthy and vibrant community and will do all we can to support and promote ECEE students, staff and faculty.”
The Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education prepares teachers, scholars and community and school leaders in the field of early childhood and elementary education. Students gain extensive content knowledge, hone innovative teaching methods and learn to work effectively within diverse classrooms.
About Us
Our MISSION
We are a community of Early Childhood educators committed to equity, collaboration and excellence in field-based teacher education, research and service.
Our VISION
As a community of Early Childhood educators we are striving to be: diverse, research oriented, innovative, collaborative, recognized leaders in the field while maintaining our field based focus.
Our VALUES
We value competence, diversity, well being of child, collaboration, reflection, trailblazing innovation, commitment, inquiry, caring trust, humor and initiative.
Explore Our Department
ECEE Strategic Plan Goals
Focus |
Research |
Advocacy |
Innovations |
Global/Diverse/Just Perspectives |
---|---|---|---|---|
Goals | Promote research and scholarship |
Become critically informed and inform others of issues pertinent to early childhood education Advocate for policies, practices, and legislation that is in the best interest for families, children, the teaching profession |
Incubate and promote educational innovations Integrate technology advances |
Engage internationally Integrate global perspectives Provide evidence of commitment to global/diverse/just perspectives Empower change agents for social justice |
Strategic Plan Alignment | GSU: Goal CEHD: Goals 1.3, 4 |
GSU: Goals 3, 4 CEHD: Goals 3, 4.3, 4.4 |
GSU: All Goals CEHD: All Goals |
GSU: Goals 1, 3, 5 CEHD: Goals 3, 5 |