Kelley Buchheister

My research and teaching focus on enhancing young children’s thinking and reasoning in early mathematics. As a teacher educator, I work to develop practicing and prospective teachers’ understanding of the cultural contexts of learning and constructing appropriately challenging and inclusive environments that provide the greatest opportunity for all children to achieve high quality experiences in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines. In this work, I advocate for innovative uses of engineering and technology that encourage young children's development in problem solving, representation, and communication. Furthermore, through my research I, along with my colleagues, closely examine the role of equitable practices and teachers' perceptions in early educational experiences and have prioritized cultural contexts of learning as a fundamental element of early educational experiences.