Michele L. Stites

Dr. Michele L. Stites is an Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), specializing in inclusive early STEM learning, early childhood mathematics, teacher preparation, and family engagement. She holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from George Washington University and degrees from the University of Maryland.

Her research focuses on mathematics development in early childhood, cross-cultural parenting practices, and strategies for creating inclusive classrooms. Dr. Stites has secured over $4 million in research funding and serves as Associate Editor of the Early Childhood Education Journal, contributing to national and international policy advisory boards.

Dr. Stites emphasizes the role of classroom libraries in fostering math skills and explores how parents across cultures socialize academic readiness. Her pandemic-related studies examine changes in home learning environments and the challenges faced by families of children with special needs during remote learning.