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Biography

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Dr. Norline Wild came to º£½Ç´óÉñ as an Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education in 2023. She received her bachelor’s degree in human services from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, and her master’s degree in social work (MSW) from Boston College. Both before and during her doctoral studies, Dr. Wild gained extensive hands-on experience as a preschool and pre-K teacher, working directly with young children in classroom settings. She completed her doctoral degree in Curriculum, Instruction and the Science of Learning with a concentration in early childhood education at the University at Buffalo (UB). Before joining Niagara’s faculty, Dr. Wild was the Curriculum Coordinator at UB’s Early Childhood Research Center.

Focus of Teaching

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Dr. Norline Wild brings over twenty years of experience working with children and families with diverse strengths and experiences in classroom, home, and therapy settings. Drawing on her experiences as a preschool and pre-K teacher, she guides preservice teachers in developing playful, engaging, and socially conscious classroom practices. She focuses on helping future educators use picturebooks and other interactive strategies to cultivate inclusive learning environments that support children’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth.

Current Research

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Dr. Wild’s research examines how educators can promote identity, diversity, justice, and social action in P–12 classrooms. Using qualitative methods grounded in social justice and guided by critical pedagogy, she explores how preservice teachers develop playful learning practices and integrate picturebooks to transform teaching. Her work aims to provide evidence-based strategies that support equitable, inclusive, and transformative learning communities.

Current Involvement

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Advisor, º£½Ç´óÉñ Future Teachers Association (NUFTA)
Dr. Wild serves as the advisor for NUFTA, a student organization that helps members develop professionally as educators while providing service opportunities in the community, strengthening their roles as future teachers.
Co-Leader, College of Education Study Abroad Trip to Italy (2025 & 2026)
Dr. Wild co-led the study abroad trips to Rome, Florence, and Venice, where students engaged with local early childhood programs and exploredÌýeducational practices abroad, enriching their teaching perspectives and global awareness.

Selected Publications

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Wild, N. (2026). Small groups, big impact: Using small-group instruction to underpin literacy skills. Educating Young Children.ÌýWinter2026.

Multicultural Perspectives,Ìý27(4), 218–227.

Ìý Journal of Equity and Social Justice in Education (JESJE).Ìý4, 1-7.Ìý

ÌýThe Teaching Professor.Ìý

ÌýExcelsior: Leadership in Teaching and Learning,Ìý17(1), 33-42.

ÌýEarly Childhood Education Journal, 53:1513–1520.

ÌýThe Reading Teacher, 77(3), 360-370.

EarlyÌýChildhood Education Journal,Ìý51, 733–741

Educational Background

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• University at Buffalo, SUNY. Buffalo, NY 2022
  Ph.D. in Curriculum Instruction and the Science of Learning
  Concentration: Early Childhood Education
  Dissertation:ÌýPicture Books for Social Justice: Creating a Classroom Community Grounded in Identity, Diversity, Justice, and Action
• Boston College. Boston, MA 2003
  Master of Social Work
  Clinical Focus
• Northeastern University. Boston, MA 2001
  Bachelor of Arts Degree: Human Services (Summa Cum Laude)
  Concentration: Counseling
  Minor: Psychology