Katie Fields Times 10 Author

Dr. Katie Fields is a visiting assistant professor of education at the University of Central Oklahoma, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation courses. She holds a doctorate in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from the University of Oklahoma, a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Northeastern State University, and a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Oklahoma.

With nine years of classroom teaching experience spanning ages three through fourth grade and three years as a professor, Katie brings both practical and theoretical expertise to her work. She previously served as director of the Child Development Center at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, where she gained valuable experience in early childhood program leadership.

Katie’s research focuses on trauma-responsive practices and teachers as advocates, with a particular emphasis on her groundbreaking trauma-plus framework for understanding the unique needs of foster children in educational settings. She has presented her work at numerous local, state, and national conferences on topics including teacher advocacy, trauma-responsive practices, working with foster children, and multiage classrooms. Her research has been published in national journals, including Action in Teacher Education and Teaching and Teacher Education.

An active member of NAEYC, NAECTE, OkAEYC, and OAECTE (where she serves as secretary/treasurer), Katie is committed to advancing the early childhood education profession through advocacy and research. What drives her work is simple: wanting to do better and be better for her students so they can be better for their students, ultimately improving education and transforming lives.

Katie and her husband, Ben, have been foster parents for over two years, an experience that has deepened her commitment to trauma-responsive education. They have two adult children, Angel and Joey. When she’s not teaching, researching, or advocating, Katie enjoys reading and playing video games, often with her pittie princess Noelle by her side.