Manda Foster

Dr. Manda Foster serves as an Assistant Professor in the School of Public Service at Columbia College. With over two decades of K-12 experience as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, and behavioral specialist, she bridges practical educational challenges with academic leadership.

Her academic credentials include:

• B.S. in Elementary Education, Judson College
• M.S. in Reading and Literacy, Capella University
• Ed.S. and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Northcentral University

Dr. Foster specializes in trauma-informed care integration within educational settings, focusing on how instructional practices impact students with adverse childhood experiences. Her research examines project-based learning efficacy for exceptional learners, emphasizing practical applications for vulnerable student populations. This work directly informs her mentorship of emerging educators and school leaders.

She actively mentors new teachers and educational leaders, translating her extensive field experience into professional development frameworks that address real-world classroom challenges.