Heather Walter

Background

About Heather Walter

Dr. Heather Walter is an Assistant Professor in the Early Childhood and Special Education program at George Mason University. Dr. Walter is a practitioner-scholar who brings more than 10+ years into the field of early childhood, elementary and special education with a particular focus on early childhood special education administration and teacher preparation. Dr. Walter’s research draws upon interdisciplinary and participatory practices to understand the social-emotional development of all young children and the adults who serve them in diverse educational contexts. Using implementation science and mixed methods, Dr. Walter’s research explores three critical areas:(1) The ways in which adults promote young children’s social emotional competencies and overall well-being,(2) the connection between education, retention, and well-being for school-based personnel and (3) quality coaching and mentoring for families and/ or teachers and the role of the partnership to promote positive relationships and supportive practices. Dr. Walter was recognized for the 2021 dissertation award in Mixed Methods for American Educational Research Association (AERA) as well as the poster winner for the Society for Research in Child Development (SCRD) that focuses on the importance of contributions for policy research. She also holds an Ed.S degree as a funded scholar through the George Washington University in Early Childhood Administration. For more information: https://cehd.gmu.edu/people/faculty/hwalter2/