Pille Nelis

Pille Nelis is a Lecturer in Educational Research at the University of Tartu, Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Education. Her work focuses on inclusive education in early childhood, pedagogy, and didactics, with a particular emphasis on implementing inclusive practices in Estonian kindergartens. She has contributed to projects like 'ÕKVA +', 'Effectiveness of inclusive education in Estonian general education 2023', and 'Developing inclusive education curriculum quality' with over 461,933 EUR in funding.

Research Interests

Her research spans inclusive education frameworks, staff agency in preschool inclusion, and policy implementation. She examines how systemic models and team-based training enhance educational equity, particularly in early childhood settings. Her work integrates pedagogical theory with practical applications, advocating for curriculum innovation and teacher support systems.

Scientific Awards

• Estonian Ministry of Education and Research 2nd prize (2022)
• University of Tartu decoration of honour (2021)

Projects & Supervision

She leads and participates in national education projects, mentoring seven Master's students in topics like inclusive education implementation and teacher-centered learning. Her supervised theses analyze challenges in inclusive practices, preschool curriculum development, and staff training outcomes.