Colleen Willard-Holt
Areas of Expertise
- Education Policy and Governance
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility in Education
- Teacher Education and Training
Biography
Dr. Willard-Holt served as Dean of the Faculty of Education at Wilfrid Laurier University since 2008, beginning from a small program only preparing teachers for kindergarten from grade 6. When she concluded her deanship, various Education programs provided preparation for grades K-10, a Minor in Education, and a Master’s in Education. She also provided key assistance in the development of the International Educational Studies B.A. program.
Dr. Willard-Holt received her Ph. D. in Educational Psychology from Purdue University. Prior to earning her Ph.D., she taught in many different levels and specialities in education. At the university level, she taught many courses in areas of education.
Her areas of research include gifted children with disabilities, implications of neuroscience research for classroom teachers, multiple intelligences, international experiences for teachers, and preservice teacher education. She has published in the fields of gifted education, special education, twice-exceptional education, multiple intelligences and general teacher education. She also has presented and published in the area of peace education.