Bernhard Koch

Bernhard Koch is a Professor of Early Childhood Education at the Tyrol University of Education (Pädagogische Hochschule Tirol), where he has held a professorship since 2023, having previously served as Professor in the Department of Early Childhood Education from 2020-2022. Before his current position, he was a Professor of Early Childhood Education at the Styrian University of Teacher Education (2018-2020) and has taught at several Austrian universities including Innsbruck, Graz, Salzburg, FH Campus-Wien, and PH Upper Austria.

• Tyrol University of Education (2023-present): Professorship in Early Childhood Education
• Tyrol University of Education (2020-2022): Professor in the Department of Early Childhood Education
• Styrian University of Teacher Education (2018-2020): Professorship in Early Childhood Education
• University of Innsbruck (2007-2016): Research Associate and Lecturer, Department of Early Childhood Education

Professor Koch earned his Mag. phil. in psychology, education, and political science from the University of Innsbruck, followed by doctoral studies in philosophy (educational science, political science) from 2008-2011, earning his Dr. phil. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to early childhood education, with practical experience gained through work in daycare centers and kindergartens as a temporary caregiver and board member of early childhood education institutions.

Koch's research spans several critical areas in early childhood education, with particular emphasis on gender diversity in the field (especially increasing male participation), migration and diversity in kindergarten settings, climate education for young children, and the professionalization of early childhood educators. His work often bridges theory and practice, examining how academic training translates to real-world educational settings. A significant portion of his research addresses the challenges of implementing educational theory in practical settings, particularly in the context of Austria's ongoing professionalization of early childhood education through tertiary education pathways.

His recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory of research interests evolving from foundational work on gender diversity in early childhood education toward more complex investigations of migration, climate change education, and the impact of the pandemic on early childhood settings. The publications reveal a consistent focus on practical applications of research, with numerous evaluation studies, handbooks for practitioners, and policy-relevant research. His work frequently emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and professional development in early childhood settings.

Professor Koch has been actively involved in numerous research projects including studies on migration in kindergartens, climate communication with parents, kindergarten assistants, language support projects, and evaluations of bachelor programs in early childhood education. His work has been supported by various institutions including the Austrian Integration Fund, Tyrol Chamber of Labor and Employees, and multiple universities.

He serves as Country Coordinator Austria for the European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA) (2014-2023), is a member of the working group 'Improving staff working conditions for better quality in early childhood education and care in Austria' (BMBFW & UNICEF) (2022-2024), and has held various advisory roles including membership on the ÖFEB-Sektion Elementarpädagogik board (2019-2022) and the Fachbeirat KiTa aktuell Österreich (2013-2022). His expertise is frequently sought for policy development, having contributed to expert groups on the 'Qualitätskompass Elementarpädagogik' and 'Bildung für die Wissensgesellschaft' for the Austrian government.