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Mary Jane Moran

Professor Emerita

Biography

Dr. Moran’s research is focused on the critical reflective practice of early childhood teachers. In particular, she is interested in supporting and studying the development of inquiry-oriented teaching that is informed and guided by teachers' ongoing analysis of their practice. Additionally, she studies the impact of a range of contexts on the professional development of teachers, locally and globally. Her cross-cultural research includes work with Italian colleagues focused on the design of situated professional development. Locally, she is conducting a longitudinal study of Head Start teachers’ practice and development of leadership and agency.


Research

  • Professional development of early childhood teachers
  • Supporting and studying the development of inquiry-oriented teaching that is informed and guided by teachers’ critical thinking and reflections related to their classroom practice.

Education

  • Ph.D., Education, University of New Hampshire, 1998
  • M.S., Child and Family Studies, University of Tennessee, 1976
  • B.S., Education, Special Education – Speech and Hearing, University of Tennessee, 1975

Curriculum Vitae


Awards and Recognitions

  • Moran, M. J. (PI). A Competency-Based Licensure Model for Head Start Teachers: A Partnership between the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and Knoxville-Knox County Head Start Program - Extension. Knox County Head Start. $20,000. Continuation of contract. October , 2016-October, 2017. (Total amount funded between March 2010-present, $92,500).
  • Moran, M. J. (PI). A Competency-Based Licensure Model for Head Start Teachers: A Partnership between the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and Knoxville-Knox County Head Start Program - Extension. Knox County Head Start. $15,000. November 2014-October, 2015.
  • Moran, M. J., & Brookshire, R. Natalie Leach Haslam Fund of East Tennessee Foundation (for co-sponsoring keynote speaker, Richard Louv). ($5,000), March 2015.
  • Caudle, L. A., Moran, M. J., Grist, C. L., & Watson, M. K. Enriching Early Childhood Preservice Teachers’ Learning in Clinical Experiences through a Cross-Institution, Technology-Based Collaboration. Submitted May, 2014. National Education Association (NEA) Student Achievement Grant. $5,000 (not funded). September 2014.

Publications

Moran, M. J., S., Bové, C., Brookshire, R., Braga, P., & Mantovani, S. Learning from Each Other: The Design and Implementation of a Cross-cultural Research and Professional Development Model in Italian and U.S. Toddler Classrooms. Submitted to Teaching and Teacher Education: An International Journal of Research and Studies.

Traum, L., & Moran, M. J. (in press). Parents’ and Teachers’ Reflections On the Process of Daily Transitions in An Infant and Toddler Laboratory School.  Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education, Special Issue on Infants and Toddlers.

Broemmel, A., Moran, M. J., & Wooten, D. (2015). The Impact of Electronic Books (Moving Picture Books ©) on the Vocabulary and Language Development of Preschool Aged Children in Two School Settings. Journal of Early Childhood Research & Practice, 17(1).  


Contact Information