Dr. Norline Wild

Biography

Dr. Norline Wild came to Niagara University as an Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education in 2023.  She received her bachelor’s degree in human services from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, and her master’s degree in social work (MSW) from Boston College. Dr. Wild completed her doctoral degree in Curriculum, Instruction and the Science of Learning with a concentration in early childhood education at the University at Buffalo (UB).  Before joining Niagara’s faculty, Dr. Wild was the Curriculum Coordinator at UB’s Early Childhood Research Center.

Focus of Teaching

Dr. Norline Wild has over twenty years experience working with a diverse population of children and families in classroom, home, and therapy settings.  Uniting her social work and education background, Dr. Wild is passionate about creating developmentally appropriate environments for young children where they can grow socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively and guiding future teachers to develop their knowledge and practices.

Current Research

Dr. Wild’s research focuses on the impact of picturebooks and the power they hold to promote identity, diversity, justice and action in early childhood classrooms.  She is committed to supporting educators in creating inclusive and equitable classroom communities.

Current Involvement

Community:

• St. Stephen School Advisory Board (Grand Island, NY)
• The Reading Teacher Practitioner Review Board
• Early Childhood Research Center Advisory Board

Educational Background

University at Buffalo, SUNY. Buffalo, NY 2022

• Ph.D. in Curriculum Instruction and the Science of Learning
• Concentration: Early Childhood Education
• Dissertation: Picture books for Social Justice: Creating a Classroom Community Grounded in Identity, Diversity, Justice, and Action

Boston College. Boston, MA 2003

• Master of Social Work
• Clinical Focus

Northeastern University. Boston, MA 2001

• Bachelor of Arts Degree: Human Services (Summa Cum Laude)
• Concentration: Counseling
• Minor: Psychology