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Elizabeth Erwin
Professor, Teaching and Learning, College for Education and Engaged Learning
- Office:
- University Hall 3163
- Email:
- erwinel@montclair.edu
- Phone:
- 973-655-6843
- Degrees:
- BS, Syracuse University
- MA, Teachers College, Columbia University
- EdD, Teachers College, Columbia University
- vCard:
- Download vCard
Profile
Dr. Elizabeth Joy Erwin is Professor at Montclair State University in the Department of Teaching and Learning where she prepares graduate and doctoral students to think critically, reflect deeply and teach inclusively. Over the past 30 years, her academic career has reflected a solid commitment to equity, innovation, and excellence for young children with disabilities and their families. Early work in this area was shaped by answering questions about “why” inclusive education matters, but has shifted over the years to focus on “how” to promote inclusive, just, and mindful school communities for young learners across a range of human variation.
Dr. Erwin's work continues to be firmly grounded in a social action framework, aimed at transforming limiting beliefs, exclusionary practices and systemic injustices - locally, nationally, and globally. Current themes that spark Dr. Erwin's interest in early childhood are
Building Inclusive Communities, Well-Being and Mindfulness, and Innovations in Research.
As the author of multiple books and chapters, Dr. Erwin is also published widely in prestigious academic journals. Her latest book "The Power of Presence" focuses on mindfulness practices and early childhood education from a social action lens about partnering with children to promote justice in the world and peace within. Across the United Stated and internationally, Dr. Erwin continues to speak regularly at professional conferences, meetings, and summits. Elizabeth currently lives in New York City where she practices yoga and meditation every day.
Specialization
- Innovative initiatives in early childhood education and care
- Inclusive teaching and learning in schools
- Critical thinking and reflective inquiry
- Well-being in body and mind
- Mindfulness and contemplative practices in education
- Qualitative and action research including meta-synthesis research
- Children's voices and self-determination focusing on young learners with disabilities
- International collaborations and projects to advance inclusive education
- Family-professional partnerships
- Place-based inquiry and pedagogy
Links
Montclair State University does not endorse the views or opinions expressed in a faculty member's webpage or website. Consistent with the principles of academic freedom, the content provided is that of the author and does not express the opinions or views of Montclair State University.
Documents
- Erwin, E.J., Palombo, M.J., Valentine, M., Clark, L.A. (2025). “Mindfulness is noticing your feelings:” The power of mind-body awareness during the early years. Journal of Early Childhood Research, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1177/1476718X251363712
- Erwin, E.J., Valentine, M. & Toumazou, M. (2022) The study of belonging in early childhood education: Complexities and possibilities, International Journal of Early Years Education, DOI: 10.1080/09669760.2022.2128307
- Erwin, E.J., Bacon, J. K., & Lalvani, P. (2021). It’s about time! Advancing justice through joyful inquiry with young children. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 1-12.
- Erwin, E. J. (2017). Transparency in early childhood education: What the west can learn from Australia's focus on well-being. Global Education Review, 4 (3), 56-69.
- Erwin, E.J., Robinson, K., & Aveta, D. (2017). Being present: An exploratory study on the use of mindfulness in early childhood. The International Journal of Holistic Early Learning and Development, 4, 1-17.
- Erwin, E. J., Maude, S. P., Palmer, S. B., Summers, J.A., Brotherson, M. J., Haines, S. & Peck, N. F. (2015). Fostering the foundations for early childhood self-determination: A process for enhancing child outcomes across home and school. Early Childho
- Erwin, E. J., Robinson, K., McGrath, G., & Harney, C. (2015). "It's like breathing in blue skies and breathing out stormy clouds:" Mindfulness practices in early childhood. Young Exceptional Children.
- Erwin, E.J. & Robinson, K. R. (2015): The joy of being: making way for young children's natural mindfulness, Early Child Development and Care, DOI:10.1080/03004430.2015.1029468
- Puig, V.I., Erwin, E.J., Evenson, T.L., & Beresford, M. (2015). It's a two-way street: Examining how trust diversity and contradiction influence a sense of community. Journal of Research in Childhood Education.29:2, 187-201, DOI: 10.1080/02568543.2015.100
- Summers, J. A., Brotherson, M.J., Erwin, E. J., Maude, S. P., Palmer, S. B., Haines, S.J., Stroup, V., Wu, H., Peck, N. F. & Zheng, Y. Z. (2014). Family reflections on the foundations of self-determination in early childhood. Special Issue on Inclusion, I
- Palmer, S.B., Summers, J. A., Brotherson, M.J., Erwin, E.J., Maude, S., Stroup-Rentier,V., Hsaing-Yi, W., Peck, N., Zheng, Y. Weigel, C., McGrath, G., & Haines, S. (2013). Foundation for self-determination in early childhood: An inclusive model for child
- Erwin, E.J., Puig, V. I., Evenson, T. L. & Beresford, M. (2012). Community and connection in inclusive early childhood education: A participatory action research investigation. Young Exceptional Children. 15(4), 1-12.
- Erwin, E.J., Brotherson, M.J.& Summers, J.A. (2011). Understanding qualitative meta-synthesis. Issues and opportunities in early childhood intervention research. Journal of Early Intervention. 33(3), 186-200.
- Maude, S.P.,Brotherson, M. J., Erwin, E.J., Summers, J. A., Palmer, S., Peck, N. F., Zheng, Y., Kruse, A. & Haines, S.J. (2011).Performance: A strategy for professional development in early childhood teacher preparation. Journal of Early Childhood Teach
- Erwin, E. J., Brotherson, M. J., Palmer, S., Cook, C., Weigel, C. & Summers, J. A. (2009). How to promote self-determination for young children with disabilities: Evidenced-based strategies for practitioners and families. Young Exceptional Children. 12(2)
- Brotherson, M. J., Cook, C., Erwin, E., & Weigel, C. (2008). Understanding self-determination and families of young children with disabilities in home environments. Journal of Early Intervention, 31,22-43.
- Erwin, E. J. & Morton, N. (2008). Exposure to media violence and young children with and without disabilities: Powerful opportunities for family- professional partnerships. Early Childhood Education Journal, 36, 105-112.
- Erwin, E. J. & Brown, F. (2003). From theory to practice: A conceptual framework for understanding self-determination in early childhood environments. Infants and Young Children: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Special Care Practices, 16, 77-87.
- Soodak, L, C., Erwin, E. J., Winton, P., Brotherson, M. J., Turnbull, A. P., Hanson, M. J., & Brault, L. J. (2002). Implementing inclusive early childhood education. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 22, 91-102.
Research Projects
Mindfulness in Education Retreat Bali Summer 2026
This is the 4th annual Mindfulness in Education retreat - open to all who thrive on learning, travel and adventure. This 11-day cultural immersion in Bali, Indonesia will spark intellectual curiosity and elevate vibrant well-being among educators, school leaders and all those ready to expand a deeper sense of inquiry and imagination. This extraordinary hands-on learning adventure is like no other. Be prepared to gain an insiders’ perspective into ancient Balinese culture where sustainability and living in harmony with the land and one another are valued parts of daily life. Experience sacred landscapes, exquisite natural beauty, and Indigenous knowledge that Bali is known for. Participate in an in-depth immersion to experience the interconnectedness of the Balinese way of life including art, education, culture, business, holistic health and so much more – through school visits, community engagement, and hand-on learning with prominent local leaders.
Erwin, E. J. (2020). The Power of Presence: A Guide to Mindfulness Practices in Early Childhood. Lewisville, NC: Gryphon House, Inc.
Latest book "The Power of Presence" on partnering with children to promote justice in the world and peace within.
Available from local or favorite book sellers, Amazon, or Gryphon House (leading and award winning publisher in early childhood)
https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/the-power-of-presence
International Interdisciplinary Immersion: Reggio Emilia Italy 2025
Following the 2024 incredible international interdisciplinary immersion in Reggio Emilia, this second year involved both study in Italy as well as an online university course on the highly respected Reggio Emilia educational approach. This interdisciplinary initiative was co-taught with Dr. Gina Miele, World Languages and Cultures. Travel to Italy occurred in March 2025 to attend the Students-Professors Study Group. The 2025 cohort represented Montclair State University students across 2 colleges and multiple departments, as well as current NJ lead teachers interested in learning more about Reggio Emilia philosophy.
The Reggio Emilia educational philosophy is known worldwide for its inclusive and progressive approach for very young and school-aged children and has wide application to older students too. The Reggio Emilia Approach® reflects an inclusive educational philosophy and pedagogy that acknowledges the environment as teacher and shows deep respect for children as co-contributors to their own learning through purposeful research investigations. The application of this philosophy involves in-depth inquiry-based learning and an emergent curriculum which allows educators and children to co-construct knowledge about the world in which they live.