Stacy I Olitsky

Stacy I Olitsky is an Associate Professor in the Department of Teacher Education, specializing in science education and sociological foundations of education. She holds a BA from Wesleyan University and a PhD in Education and Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania.

Her research focuses on applying sociological theory to urban science education, particularly examining identity and learning dynamics, emotional engagement in classrooms, STEM teacher retention in high-need schools, and collaborations between university faculty and K-12 educators. She has received recognition including the National Association for Research in Science Teaching's Outstanding Dissertation Award and the University of Pennsylvania’s Phi Delta Kappa award.

Her work emphasizes systemic equity in education, teacher identity development, and the intersection of social structures with educational practices. Notable grants include co-PI on an NSF Noyce Grant investigating teacher retention through social interaction and identity frameworks.