Lori R. Piowlski is an Assistant Professor in the Elementary Education Department at Minnesota State University, Mankato and is dedicated to advancing access and equity in teacher education. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in Educational Administration in Higher Education. Dr. Piowlski also consults with New Knowledge United as a Subject Matter Expert in the areas of special education, English language learners, literacy, elementary education and assessment; by developing, aligning and optimizing higher education eLearning courses. Her research interests are in the areas of: preparation of cultural proficient teachers, the national edTPA teacher performance assessment, parent engagement in schools, partnership development schools and mentoring/induction of new teachers. She serves as an edTPA national consultant and presents frequently at national conferences. Prior to her higher education faculty roles, she worked with diverse populations as a pre-K through grade 12 elementary and special education teacher, which ignited her passion to study culturally proficient teaching. She continues to empower future teachers to celebrate their ability to execute global cultural competence, allowing them to differentiate their instruction to meet the needs of all 21st century students.
