Ruth Piker

Ruth Piker is a Professor in the Teacher Education department within the College of Education at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). She serves as the Program Coordinator for Early Childhood Education, leading curriculum development and program innovation in early childhood credentials and master’s programs.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Education, University of Michigan, 2005
• BA in Psychology with Minor in Child Development, San Jose State University, 1994

Ruth Piker's research is centered on early childhood education, with a strong focus on teacher preparation, multilingual learners (birth to age 5), curriculum and instruction, early childhood assessment, and social interactions in classroom settings. Her work explores how play, classroom environments, and teacher dispositions influence language development and science learning in young children. She is particularly interested in educational reform and equity in early childhood systems.

Her recent publications and conference presentations (2016–2024) reflect a consistent trajectory in early childhood teacher development, integrated STEM, and program evaluation. Themes include science instruction in preschools, dual language learning through play, and reimagining graduate programs in early childhood education. Her research combines ethnographic methods, program evaluation, and policy analysis to improve outcomes for young learners and educators.

Scientific Awards:

• No awards listed in the provided text.

Ruth Piker has led significant projects such as the Department of Social Services-funded initiative to launch the CSULB PK-3 ECE Specialist Credential and the development of a Master’s in Early Childhood Education program. She has conducted employer assessments of teacher candidate outcomes and evaluated bridge programs for urban teacher fellowships. While her advising of students is not explicitly detailed, her leadership in program development and research suggests active mentorship and grant-related work. She is based in office ED2 261 and can be contacted at Ruth.Piker@csulb.edu.

Labs and Research Teams:

• Involved in the Center for Evaluation & Educational Effectiveness (implied through evaluation projects).
• Collaborates with faculty on early childhood research, including STEM integration and teacher preparation pathways.