Dr. Karen F. Osterman is a Professor of Educational Leadership in the School of Education at Hofstra University. She received her B.A. in sociology and behavioral sciences from Emmanuel College, an MPIA in economic and social development at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School Of Public and International Affairs, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Policy from Washington University.
Her teaching and research are concentrated in two areas:
- The importance of addressing students’ psychological needs, and particularly their need for a sense of belonging in the school community, as a means to enhance student engagement and learning; and
- The use of reflective practice and action research as professional development strategies to improve student performance.
Her work has appeared in Improving Schools, Journal of Management Science, Journal of School Public Relations, Journal of School Leadership, Education and Urban Society, Newsday, Phi Delta Kappan, Review of Educational Research, and Urban Education. She is also the author of Reflective Practice for Educators: Professional Development to Improve Student Learning (1992, 2004) with Robert B. Kottkamp, and has authored book chapters dealing with student engagement and students’ sense of belonging. Her recent work explores the way that school and classroom policies and practices improve the quality of peer relationships, enhance student engagement and learning, and minimize the incidence of bullying, disciplinary problems, student violence, and the use of alcohol.
Learn more about Dr. Osterman on the Hofstra University website
