Biography

Dr. Kelly Houle is a long-time advocate for equitable and just early childhood education. She completed her doctorate degree from the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College joint PhD in Education program in August 2024. Her research interests include outdoor teaching and learning, media and digital literacy, and pragmatic approaches to high-quality STEM educational practices that have immediate impacts on teaching and learning in Rhode Island. Dr. Houle spent 11 years as an Education Specialist with the URI College of Education’s GEMS-Net (Guiding Education in Math and Science Network) project where she collaborated with university scientists and engineers, Rhode Island Department of Education, and other local academic and industry partners to integrate state and local initiatives into the existing PreK – 8 curricula in 13 RI school districts and beyond. In addition, Dr. Houle collaborates with PBS KIDS through research and curriculum development in the children’s media landscape.

Dr. Houle is excited to transition to the Clinical Assistant Professor in Early Childhood Education role where she will continue to build strong and mutually beneficial relationships with RI school districts and teachers so that our URI teacher candidates are well supported and prepared to teach in any early childhood classroom.