Education prof to co-direct national research institute

Ellen Frede, associate professor of elementary/early childhood education at The College of New Jersey, was recently named co-director of the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), a unit of the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University in New Brunswick. NIEER supports early childhood education policy by providing objective, nonpartisan information based on research.

Frede, a developmental psychologist widely recognized for her role in the court decision requiring preschool in New Jersey’s 31 poorest school districts, brings a distinguished research background to the institute. She is a teacher with extensive experience in early childhood program implementation and administration. Prior to joining NIEER, she served as assistant to the commissioner for early childhood education at the New Jersey Department of Education.

W. Steven Barnett, NIEER’s director, said that Frede’s background in state and national policy, executive level management and extensive research capabilities would help keep NIEER on the cutting edge of policy-related research.

 “Being co-director at NIEER allows me to bring my expertise in preschool education and research to improving public policy,” said Frede. “NIEER’s mission is to conduct research that informs policy makers when making decisions about preschool education so that ultimately, if we do this right, children in New Jersey and the nation will benefit, and that’s the most exciting thing.”

While her expertise in teaching will certainly contribute to her role at NIEER, she also believes that her new position will enhance her teaching at the College.

"At NIEER, I’m working in the national arena and am privy to the latest research and most influential professionals and policy makers in this field," said Frede. "This keeps me current and connected which makes my teaching fresh and relevant.  It also provides opportunities to offer students practical experiences with research."

It is interesting to note that in her new position at NIEER, Frede works with five former students and plans to recruit current ones.

Frede is excited that, despite the rigorous schedule of her new position, the education department has been helpful in allowing her to still teach a class each semester.

Frede, a member of TCNJ's community since 1992, when she started as an assistant professor in early childhood education, received her bachelor's degree in early childhood education from the University of Michigan, her master’s in human development from Pacific Oaks College, and her doctorate in developmental psychology from Utah State University.  She has served as an associate professor since 1998.

Frede is very much appreciative of the teaching experience she has gained as a member of the campus community.

"The community, the students and the faculty—that is my favorite part," she said. "The size of TCNJ allows me to know my students well and to see them develop personally and professionally over the four years they are here. I’ve made lifelong connections with many of them."

Frede also credits the size of the College for the relationships she has with colleagues in different disciplines across the College.

"In large universities, the insularity within your program and department limits interactions, but at TCNJ I have close friends in diverse fields in all the schools. It enriches my intellectual life," said Frede.