Ruchi Bhatnagar

Ruchi Bhatnagar is a Clinical Associate Professor at Georgia State University’s College of Education & Human Development (CEHD). She serves as the unit’s assessment coordinator, overseeing accreditation and evaluation efforts. Her work bridges policy and practice, focusing on teacher education accountability, culturally responsive pedagogy, and equity in education. Bhatnagar holds a Ph.D. in Teacher Education from the University of Michigan (2008), alongside master’s degrees in Child Development and Educational Policy.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Teacher Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2002–2008)
• M.A. in Educational Foundations, University of Michigan (2006)
• M.S. in Child Development, Delhi University, India (1996–1998)
• Bachelor of Science, Delhi University, India (1993–1996)

Research Interests: Dr. Bhatnagar’s work examines teacher education policy, assessments, and program evaluation. She investigates how urban teacher preparation programs address equity, social justice, and culturally responsive teaching. Her research also explores novice teachers’ experiences, particularly during the pandemic, and the role of edTPA in teacher certification. She advocates for policies that support teacher retention in high-needs schools.

Professional Engagement: Bhatnagar represents Georgia State in state-level education initiatives (e.g., Georgia Assessment Directors Association), serves as a GaPSC program accreditation reviewer, and contributes to national journals like Ubiquity: The Journal of Literature, Literacy, and the Arts. Her 2022 article on culturally responsive pedagogy during the pandemic highlights her focus on adapting equity-centered practices to crises.

Awards:

• Recipient of Georgia State’s Teaching for Social Justice Award

Advising & Grants: While no student advisees are listed, her work directly impacts teacher preparation programs. She collaborates with the Georgia Department of Education and institutions like the Adult Literacy Research Center to advance education equity.

Labs & Teams: Active in CEHD’s research centers, including the Center for Research on Atypical Development and Learning (CRADL) and the Ken Matheny Center for the Study of Stress, Trauma, and Resilience. Her cross-functional collaborations drive systemic improvements in teacher education.