Heather Woodley

Dr. Heather Woodley is a Clinical Associate Professor of TESOL, Bilingual Education, and World Language Education at New York University's Steinhardt School. She also serves as Co-Director of Childhood Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning. Her work focuses on anti-racist, social justice-oriented, and multilingual education, collaborating closely with communities, families, and youth. She has developed online resources for critical teacher education and family empowerment, including initiatives for remote learning during the pandemic.

• Education:
• PhD in Urban Education, The Graduate Center, CUNY
• MS in Education (TESOL), City College of New York, CUNY
• BA in History, Wesleyan University
• Key Roles:
• Former Fulbright Scholar in Morocco
• Research Assistant with CUNY-NYSIEB, supporting emergent bilinguals in public schools
• Past teacher of TESOL and ELA in Bronx/DC schools and NYC/DC Teaching Fellows program

Her research explores multilingual classroom practices, mother-scholars, and integrating arts into social justice education. She has authored publications and curricula on these topics.

Awards & Grants:

• 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Faculty Award
• 2019 Steinhardt Teaching Excellence Award
• 2018 Steinhardt Diversity & Innovation Grant
• 2014 NABE Outstanding Dissertation Award

Community Engagement:

• Regional delegate with NYSABE
• National planning committee member for Free Minds, Free People (Education for Liberation Network)
• Member of Black Lives Matter at School (NY/NJ coalition)
• Active in local schools via PTA and Diversity Council