Mariëlle Laan is a language educator and PhD candidate at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, specializing in language education for primary school teachers. She has served at the primary education teacher training college (PABO) since 2017, teaching language courses and supervising student development. Her research interests focus on language education across developmental stages, with particular expertise in primary education (grades 1-5) and teacher training programs. Laan emphasizes meaningful learning as essential for development and views quality language education as critical for wellbeing. She has contributed significantly to curriculum development, including creating the Master's program in Language-Aware Learning. As a former chair of the language department until July 2023, she shaped the PABO's language policy and served as a research associate within the Language-Aware Higher Education research group. Since August 2023, she has transitioned to a PhD candidate role working on the STAALWERK research project through the Knowledge Center for Talent Development, which connects primary school principals in South Rotterdam with researchers and teacher trainers. Her educational background includes a teacher training diploma from Marnix Academy in Utrecht and studies in Dutch Language and Culture at Utrecht University. Laan's professional philosophy centers on the fundamental importance of understanding and being understood across all age groups, from toddlers to professionals.


