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Rosemarie Allen, EdD, is a nationally recognized expert in culturally responsive teaching, equity, and early childhood education. With more than 40 years of experience as an educational leader, her life’s work has been dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to a high-quality education that is culturally and developmentally appropriate. As a professor in the School of Education at Metropolitan State University of Denver, she focuses on addressing systemic inequities in education, particularly the suspensions and expulsions of children from early childhood programs. As president and CEO of IREE, Dr. Allen serves as a builder—not just of programs but also of people, systems, justice-centered frameworks, and opportunities nationwide and internationally. She has collaborated with the US Department of Education, 47 state education departments, and numerous organizations to assess, disrupt, repair, and redesign systems that will ensure equity and justice for all. Her groundbreaking work has earned her prestigious honors, including the T. Berry Brazelton Friends of Children Award and the Rosa Parks Diversity Award. Dr. Allen holds a doctorate in equity and leadership in education from the University of Colorado, Denver, and continues to inspire educators to create inclusive, affirming learning environments that honor the diverse identities of all students.
Dorothy Shapland Rodriguez, EdD, is an associate professor in the Special Education, Early Childhood, and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Department at the School of Education, Metropolitan State University of Denver. A nationally recognized expert in trauma-informed equity practices and leadership, she has more than 40 years of experience teaching preschool and elementary students in public, private, and charter schools in Colorado and New Jersey. She has served half her career as a teacher leader, curriculum writer, instructional coach, consultant, and professional development provider for schools, centers, educators, and leaders across the United States. Her expertise lies in effective, intentional, anti-bias, culturally responsive, trauma-informed teaching and learning, as well as in guiding schools and early childhood programs toward equity-centered leadership and practice. Dr. Shapland Rodriguez is committed to transforming education through compassion, justice, and reflection, equipping educators to meet the needs of all learners and communities. Her work bridges research and real-world application to support lasting, systemic change. She lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband and two dogs, just across the street from her daughter and their family. This book reflects Dr. Shapland Rodriguez’s lifelong dedication to building inclusive, healing-centered spaces where all children and educators can thrive.
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