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Elizabeth Erwin

Professor, Teaching and 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
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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 new projects as well as those currently in varying stages of development are: Inclusive Communities/Inclusive Teaching, Well-Being/Mindfulness, and Innovations in Research/Reflective Inquiry.

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

- Early childhood education
- Inclusive teaching and reflective inquiry
- Well-being in body and mind
- Mindfulness and contemplative practices in education
- Family-professional partnerships
- Self-determination, young children with disabilities and their families
- International partnerships and projects to support inclusive education
- Place-based inquiry and pedagogy

Documents

Research Projects

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



Mindfulness and Education Retreat: Reflecting, Renewing and Reimagining in Bali

Travel to Bali Summer 2023 for this 10-day extraordinary retreat for teachers and other school leaders. Space is limited. Facilitator: Dr. Elizabeth Joy Erwin

Connecting to the Present through Nature and Place-Based Inquiry

Mindfulness Nature, Climate, and Education Summit
This virtual global week-long event is going live on November 14th - 18th 2022 at 8 AM EST
Attendance is free; must register to attend. Dr. Dan Siegel is the keynote speaker along with other distinguished guests including authors, teachers, activists, youth voices and many more across the globe.