Bess Wilson

Bess Wilson is Chair and Professor in the Department of Special and Early Education (SEED) at Northern Illinois University’s College of Education. Her expertise focuses on educational assessment, gifted education equity, and innovative teaching strategies. She holds a Ph.D. in Education Psychology: Gifted Education from the University of Connecticut (2009), with earlier degrees from Austin College and Hardin-Simmons University.

Her research emphasizes standardized and classroom-based assessment methodologies, addressing systemic inequities in identifying and serving advanced learners. She co-founded the Innovation Collaborative as a board member and research director, advancing transdisciplinary STEAM initiatives. She actively contributes to the American Educational Research Association and National Association for Gifted Children.

Recent publications highlight teacher residency impacts, equity in gifted education, and STEAM-driven critical thinking. She has authored/co-authored books on perfectionism in education and transformational school cultures. Wilson’s work bridges research-practice gaps through collaborative professional development and policy advocacy.