Jody Eberly

Jody Eberly is a full-time Professor of Early Childhood Education and Co-Chair of the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). Her work focuses on play-based pedagogy, family engagement, and culturally responsive teaching practices in early childhood contexts.

• Education: EdD in Early Childhood Education (Rutgers University, 2001), EdM in Early Childhood/Elementary Education (Rutgers University, 1993), BA in English and Philosophy (Muhlenberg College, 1990)

Her research foregrounds play as a central mechanism for learning, family-school partnerships, and strategies to decentralize cultural biases in teacher education. Recent work explores pandemic-era adaptations in early childhood teaching and undergraduate research as a tool for educational reform. Publications span play-based curriculum design, multicultural education, and teacher-student collaboration.

Scientific Awards include the SOSA Award (2004-2006) and multiple mini-grants from TCNJ’s Office of Academic Grants and Sponsored Research. She has secured grants for cross-cultural research on play and early literacy (2017-2018) and mentored undergraduate research initiatives.

Contact: jeberly@tcnj.edu | Office: Education Building, Suite 102