Holly Sandler, PhD

Holly Sandler’s 25-year teaching career in a public elementary school outside New York City was focused on fostering the goals of culturally responsive education. 
This commitment to furthering social equity and raising social consciousness among children in first, third, and fifth grade, was evident in her student’s engagement in ethical analysis, critical inquiry and higher-level thinking skills related to current and historical issues. In an effort to explore, understand, and document her years of practical experience in education Holly received a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Research, and Policy from University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in 2020. Dr. Sandler’s research interests include culturally responsive pedagogy in elementary education, promoting awareness and positive educator’ dispositions towards all students, and contemplative practices in education. 

Since earning her Ph.D. Holly has shifted her focus to working with higher education students in teacher preparation programs. In this capacity Holly synthesizes and shares with her students vast elementary teaching experience, an understanding of educational research, and practical wisdom gleaned through experience.

Ph.D. Educational Leadership, Policy, and Research, 2020

University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Dissertation: “Exploring the Evolution of First Year Educators’ Dispositions Towards Diverse Students and Perceptions of Performance as Culturally Responsive Educators: A Portraiture Case Study” 

Master of Arts, Instructional Technology

New York Institute of Technology, New York, New York

Master of Science, Teaching

Pace University, White Plains, New York

Bachelor of Arts, Political Science

University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

University Lecturer  

University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO                                    

• Educational Psychology
• Children’s Literature

Learning Effectiveness Program, Academic Counselor

University of Denver, Denver CO

Visiting Professor

Colorado College, ColoradoSprings, CO

• Teacher and Teaching Identity- Graduate Level

Teacher Residency Clinical Supervisor                                                      

University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO

Classroom Teacher                                                                                                                    

Woodglen Elementary, Clarkstown School District, New York  
Fifth Grade, Third Grade, First Grade