Kristan Nicole Pearce

Dr. Kristan Nicole Pearce serves as a Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction within the College of Education and Human Services at East Texas A&M University, where she has contributed since 2015. Her work bridges academic theory and classroom practice, emphasizing teacher development for optimal student outcomes in early childhood settings.

Her educational foundation includes:

• Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum (University of Oklahoma, 2015)
• M.Ed. in Reading (Northeastern State University, 2009)
• M.A. in Teaching Elementary Education (University of Arkansas, 1999)
• B.S. in Childhood Education (University of Arkansas, 1998)

Research centers on social-emotional learning integration with academic content, particularly through executive function development and social justice frameworks. Her approach emphasizes whole-child outcomes via STEAM education and humane pedagogy, informed by pre-K–6 teaching experience in Reggio-inspired environments. Current investigations examine representation gaps in children's literature and play-based creativity tools.

Recent publications (2021–2022) reveal consistent focus on equity-driven classroom strategies, with dual emphasis on literacy-based social justice and resilience-building through executive functions. Cross-cutting themes include critical analysis of children's media representation and practical toolkits for domain-integrated learning.

Recognitions include:

• Professional Excellence in Teaching-Technology Award (2022, East Texas A&M University Faculty Senate)

Dr. Pearce actively mentors future educators through courses like ECE 460: Teaching STEAM in Early Childhood, utilizing inquiry-based methods to prepare teachers for integrated curriculum design. Her professional engagement spans:

• National Association for the Education of Young Children
• National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators
• Texas Association for the Education of Young Children