Heidi Higgins

Dr. Heidi Higgins serves as the Associate Dean for Teacher Preparation, Assessment, and Accreditation at the Watson College of Education, University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). She joined UNCW in 2008 and leads initiatives to strengthen educator pipelines, including the TA2T program and Student Success Center oversight.

• Focus areas: Mathematics education for grades K-6, intercultural teaching practices, and data-driven accreditation compliance.
• Teaches elementary mathematics methods courses emphasizing standards-based curricula (Common Core, NCTM Principles).
• Coordinates international education field experiences in Ethiopia to foster global perspectives.

Research Interests include equitable mathematics instruction, pre-service teacher conceptual understanding, and the intersection of social equity with student mathematical identity. Her work also explores Indigenous educator pathways and intergenerational mentorship in education.