Laura Nichols brings 15 years of dedicated experience in higher education to their role as Clinical Assistant Professor for the Teacher’s College at Arizona State University. Her teaching expertise spans the fields of Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, and Special Education, providing a comprehensive understanding of diverse learning environments. Dr. Nichols’ commitment to fostering effective teaching practices is evident in their extensive work with student teachers, mentoring and guiding them through their clinical experiences.
Prior to joining the university, Dr. Nichols served in a leadership capacity as Head of Teachers at a non-profit preschool for children with special needs. This experience provided invaluable insights into the practical application of early childhood education principles, curriculum implementation, and staff development. In this role, she honed her skills in observation, evaluation, and providing constructive feedback, which directly translates to her current work with pre-service and in-service teachers.
Dr. Nichols teaching and scholarly interests center on the crucial role of effective supervision in teacher preparation, as well as accomplished teaching. She is passionate about developing innovative strategies to support student teachers in navigating the complexities of the classroom and developing their pedagogical skills. Her work also explores best practices in inclusive education and creating equitable learning opportunities for all students. Dr. Nichols holds a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction.
