Timothy Dohrer

Timothy Dohrer is an Assistant Professor and Director of the M.S.Ed program at Northwestern University, concurrently serving as Director of Educator Leadership and Partnerships at Northern Illinois University. With 35 years of experience in K-12 education and higher education, he transitioned from classroom teaching and school administration to academic leadership roles.

He holds a B.A. in English and Journalism from Indiana University (1990), an M.A. in English from Northwestern University (1995), and a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from Pennsylvania State University (1999). His research focuses on social-emotional learning (SEL), school climate, teacher education, and curriculum design.

Dr. Dohrer authored The Schools We Need Now (2024), a best-selling guide on mentally healthy school design, and has published extensively on SEL integration and literacy practices. He currently chairs the SEL4IL Alliance and advises organizations like The Leader in Me.

His recent work includes trauma-informed school training programs and online SEL courses. Notable recognition includes a dissertation nomination for the 2000 American Association of Teaching and Curriculum Award.