Dr. Daniela Foerch | Behavioral Sciences – Assistant Professor at Florida International University, United States
Dr. Daniela Fenu Foerch is a dedicated academic with a remarkable track record in the field of early childhood education. Currently serving as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Florida International University (FIU), Dr. Foerch is recognized for her work in curriculum development, emotional intelligence in young children, and innovative teaching strategies that promote empathy and social development. With over a decade of experience in teaching and research, her work focuses on nurturing emotional and social skills in young learners, particularly those at-risk, through various educational interventions. Dr. Foerch’s efforts to integrate emotional intelligence into educational curricula have significantly impacted both local and global educational landscapes.
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Education
Dr. Foerch earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Early Childhood Education from Barry University in 2011. Prior to that, she completed her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction (with a focus on Language Arts Secondary Education) from Florida Atlantic University in 2004, following a Bachelor of Arts in English from the same institution in 2000. Her academic background laid the foundation for her deep understanding of curriculum development, early childhood education, and the vital role of emotional intelligence in children’s development.
Experience
Dr. Foerch has extensive teaching experience, both in full-time and part-time academic roles. Since 2012, she has served in various capacities at FIU, where she currently holds the position of Clinical Assistant Professor in Early Childhood Education. Her career also includes senior instructor and adjunct professor roles at FIU, as well as positions as an early childhood education teacher at both Miami Dade College and RISE Academy School. Her long-standing teaching experience has equipped her with the skills to create engaging and impactful curricula that address the emotional, social, and academic needs of young learners.
Additionally, Dr. Foerch’s work extends beyond teaching. She has secured multiple funded pedagogic projects aimed at improving educational outcomes for children, particularly those in underserved communities. These projects have received funding from various prestigious organizations such as the A.D. Henderson Foundation and Children’s Trust. She has also contributed to international educational forums through lectures and papers, further establishing her as an authority in the field of early childhood education.
Research Interests
Dr. Foerch’s primary research interest lies in emotional intelligence (EI) and its application in early childhood education. Her work explores how nurturing emotional intelligence in young children can positively impact their social interactions, academic success, and overall emotional well-being. She is particularly interested in understanding how EI can be integrated into preschool curricula to help children, especially those at risk, develop empathy, self-regulation, and social competencies. Her ongoing research includes The WeFEEL Curriculum, which focuses on the development of emotional intelligence in early childhood and how this approach can improve school readiness.
Dr. Foerch’s other research interests include global education competencies, focusing on fostering empathy and cultural awareness in young children, and technology integration in educational settings to enhance learning experiences. She is also interested in pedagogical strategies that emphasize the importance of play and creativity in early childhood education.
Awards
Dr. Foerch’s dedication to teaching and community engagement has earned her several prestigious awards and recognitions. Among the most notable is the Community Engagement Certificate of Appreciation awarded by FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education for her service and dedication to the local community in October 2020. She has also received the FIU Online Distinguished Course Award for Innovative Use of Open Content in both 2014 and 2015, recognizing her innovative teaching practices and the effective use of digital content to enhance student learning.
In addition to these, Dr. Foerch’s pedagogic projects have been funded by major organizations, and her leadership in these initiatives has made a tangible impact on the communities she serves.
Publications
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Foerch, D. F., & Adelman, A. (2024). The WeFEEL Approach: Examining an Emotional Intelligence Curriculum’s Impact on Young Children’s Development and Social Interactions with their Families. Journal of Research in Childhood Education 📚
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Iuspa, F., & Foerch, D. F. (2022). Nurturing Empathy in Preschoolers through Children’s Literature and Emotional Games. The Future of Education 🎓
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Foerch, D. F. (2021). Global Competence Begins in Preschool: An Investigation of How to Nurture Empathy in Young Children. Revista Contrapontos 🌍
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Slutsky, R., Kragh-Müller, G., Rentzou, K., Tuul, M., Gol Guven, M., Foerch, D. F., & Paz-Albo, J. (2019). A cross-cultural study on technology use in preschool classrooms. Early Child Development and Care 💻
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Foerch, D. F., & Iuspa, F. E. (2016). The internationalization of the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Revista Contrapontos 🏫
Conclusion
Dr. Daniela Fenu Foerch stands out as an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her significant contributions to early childhood education and emotional intelligence. Her academic background, teaching experience, and innovative research reflect her dedication to improving educational practices and fostering emotional and social growth in young learners. Dr. Foerch’s work has not only impacted local communities but also contributed to global discourse on early childhood development. With her ongoing research and numerous contributions to the field, she continues to be a trailblazer in shaping the future of education.