Elizabeth Fincher

Elizabeth Fincher is a Lecturer of Early Childhood Education at the University of Vermont (UVM), affiliated with the College of Education and Social Services (CESS) and the Department of Education. She focuses on equitable and inclusive teaching practices, particularly for young multilingual learners, and emphasizes advocacy, teacher education, and community partnerships. Her courses include K-3 Literacy, K-3 Interdisciplinary Practicum, and Movie Nights: Critical Childhood for the ECE Minor.

Dr. Fincher holds a PhD in Literacy Studies from the University of Tennessee (with specializations in ESL Education and Child and Family Studies), an MEd in Teaching English Language Learners and Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Washington Tacoma, and a BS in Early Grades Preparation from West Chester University.

Her research interests center on children's literature, critical literacy, and literacy/language development in early grades, with a focus on multilingual learners. She employs qualitative methods to study culturally sustaining pedagogy, teacher education, and the intersectional identities of bi/multilingual children. Dr. Fincher advocates for joy and play in learning, and collaborates with community agencies and educational conferences to support emergent bilingual/multilingual youth.

• Awards:
• 2020 Teaching & Learning Innovation Award, Office of the Provost
• 2020 TPTE Graduate Student Award, The University of Tennessee

In her role as a clinical supervisor, she fosters partnerships with school sites and prioritizes collaborative, community-based professional development. Her work integrates evidence-based practices and equity-oriented approaches to enhance teacher efficacy and student outcomes in diverse educational settings.