Katariina Waltzer

Katariina Waltzer is a University Lecturer and Deputy Head of School at the School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Eastern Finland. Her research focuses on educational equity, science education, special education, and youth well-being. She leads projects such as FINSCI (Fostering Finnish Science Capital) and has contributed to studies on inclusive education, teacher well-being, and health literacy.

Her research interests include science capital, socio-scientific issues (e.g., water systems education), and the intersection of home-school collaboration with health and literacy development. Notable projects include analyzing Namibian teachers’ attitudes toward inclusive education and investigating student teachers’ well-being during teaching practices.

Publications highlight her work on educational support systems, youth agency in delayed educational transitions, and pedagogical decision-making in early childhood. She is actively involved in curriculum development for teacher education programs, emphasizing inclusive practices and special education content.