Research interests
Tamara Nelson’s research agenda focuses on the
transformation of science teacher knowledge and
beliefs, and how teachers translate their new
understandings into practice. She is especially
interested in how teachers think about teaching and
learning in relation to students from populations
underrepresented in science achievement. She is
interested in both preservice and inservice science
teacher development. Her current research focuses
specifically on secondary science and mathematics
teacher development and systemic change through
collaborative inquiry in professional learning
communities.
Teaching/professional interests
Nelson taught secondary science and mathematics for
thirteen years, before beginning her career in higher
education. At WSU, Nelson teaches courses in science
education.
Recent accomplishments
- Primary investigator on a 4.5-year, Teacher
Professional Continuum research grant from the National
Science Foundation. The research focuses on teacher
growth and systemic change resulting from
teachers’ supported collaborative inquiry in
professional learning communities.
- Co-primary investigator (Co-PI) on a three-year
grant funded through the Office of the Superintendent
of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the U. S. Department
of Education: Partnership for Reform in Secondary
Science and Mathematics (PRiSSM). This professional
development project supported collaborative inquiry
amongst middle and high school math and science
teachers from six districts in southwest and
south-central Washington.
- Co-PI on a grant from OSPI: Improving instructions
through Exemplars in Mathematics and Science (IITEMS).
Supported a week-long institute for teacher leaders
from across Washington State.
Educational background
- Ph.D. Curriculum and Instruction, specialization in
science education, University of Washington, 2002.
- M.Ed. Education, specialization in natural
sciences, Western Washington University, 1996.
- B.S. Marine Studies, Evergreen State College, 1980.
