About
Dr. Kurt Clausen is a Professor in the Schulich School of Education, part of Nipissing University's Faculty of Education and Professional Studies. He currently serves as the Graduate Program Coordinator for both the Master of Education and the PhD in Educational Sustainability. Over his 20-year career at Nipissing, he has held leadership roles including Chair of Graduate Studies (2002-2005 and 2017-2019), academic senate member, and external examiner. He is a past president of the Canadian Association of Foundations of Education and founder of the Canadian Association of Action Research in Education.
Education:
- BA, Concordia University
- MA, Concordia University
- PhD, University of Ottawa
- Graduate Diploma in Education, McGill University
Research Interests: Dr. Clausen focuses on History of Canadian Education, Curriculum Policy, Organizational Design, Educational Leadership, Teacher Education, and Action Research. He has led major projects like The Use of Action Research in Teacher Education (SSHRC-funded, 2019) and Rebels in Charge: Ontario’s Educational Revolution (SSHRC Insight Grant, 2013). His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary educational challenges, emphasizing policy impact and institutional evolution.
Publications Trends: While articles emphasize historical studies of education systems and policy, recent work highlights interdisciplinary approaches to curriculum design and the role of action research in teacher training. His publications often analyze 20th-century reforms and their lasting effects on modern educational frameworks.
Awards: Dr. Clausen has received prestigious recognitions including the Herbert T. Coutts Distinguished Service Award (2020), Research Achievement Award (2020), and ARNA Eduardo Flores Leadership Award (2019). He also earned an Outstanding Book Award (2017) for contributions to curriculum studies and a Distinguished Service Award (2015) from the Canadian Association of Foundations of Education.
Advising & Grants: He has supervised numerous theses and contributed to supervisory committees. His grants include SSHRC Standard Research Grants (e.g., 2009), and he coordinates graduate programs integrating action research methodologies. His work often explores underrepresented historical narratives and rural educational challenges.
Labs/Teams: As Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal of Action Research since 2001, he supports academic discourse in this field through journal leadership, backed by SSHRC and EBSCO funding since 2014 and 2019.
