Lisa Wright, Ed.D. serves as the director of The Hollingworth Center, a program within the Department of Curriculum and Teaching at Teachers College, Columbia University. Under Dr. Wright’s leadership of over 35 years, the Center develops model programs, works with NYC public schools through a 24 year early childhood science program, and partners globally. Teachers College graduate students are mentored by Dr. Wright through a variety of in situ experiences across program. Dr. Wright is also on the faculty in the Department of Curriculum and Teaching at Teachers College teaches graduate courses, supervising student teachers, and co-directing an annual summer institute for teachers and administrators on differentiated curriculum and teaching. Most recently Lisa as named a Faculty Affiliated for the Center for Sustainable Futures.
Lisa holds a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Theater from New York University and a Doctoral Degree in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University. Lisa taught in private and public schools at the preschool, elementary and secondary and continues field work in schools as she believes her work must be grounded in current site experiences. She has published a variety of articles for peer review journals and has received two Paper of the Year awards (with James Borland, Ph.D.) from the National Association for Gifted Children. Lisa presents nationally and consults with formal and informal education institutions across the United States as well as globally. Her research interests include decolonizing preschool picture books libraries by amplifying the voices of indigenous authors and illustrators, the body image of young children through affirming all bodies, and sustainability and very young children. Lisa’s critical stance is embedded in a social justice perspective and access and equity for all children as they each grow their unique potentials. Lisa’s greatest professional joy is mentoring and collaborating with her graduate students as they begin their journeys as teachers. Lisa is and always has been, most at home in the classroom.