Meet early childhood education expert Carrie Germeroth
Managing Senior Researcher Carrie Germeroth works at the forefront of early childhood education research. With a doctorate in experimental psychology focusing on cognitive development, she has dedicated her career to understanding and improving learning experiences for young children, especially those from under-resourced backgrounds. Her many years of expertise encompass math, literacy, social-emotional development, and parent support and education.
What gets you excited about working at Marzano Research?
I want to do work that makes a direct impact on children and families. Marzano Research does just that— we do work that matters and improves the lives of the communities where we all live.
Can you tell us about your recent work on a Marzano Research project?
I recently completed the evaluation of a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I award. Cali’s Books contracted Marzano Research to conduct a study to establish the technical merit and feasibility of the Infinibook, an innovative, screenless learning tool for young children that integrates technology into a traditional book format. Marzano Research, in collaboration with Cali’s Books, developed a Theory of Change (ToC) to illustrate the intended short- and long-term outcomes of the Infinibook.
We conducted a mixed methods study to establish technical merit and understand the potential to affect the intended short-term outcomes in the ToC. The results of the study may be used by Cali’s Books to further refine the ToC and make platform improvements. The Phase I study accomplished the primary Phase I goals and provides promise of efficacy that should be tested in a Phase II SBIR.
What do you think sets Marzano Research apart in the realm of education research?
Marzano Research is set apart because we understand that we can learn from our partners. We take time to understand their most pressing needs and partner to develop solutions that work for them in their context. We are not a one size fits all organization…we customize!
What do you find meaningful about your work?
The work I do doesn’t sit on a shelf, it’s put into practice to make systems better for children and families.
What do you look forward to most about the future of your field?
The field of early childhood is always advancing; there is always a new development, or advancement. Across the country, states/agencies/systems are at very different stages of implementing best practices or using research to support early childhood education and I think there will be a time when the playing field is more equal and all children and families have access to the systems and supports needed to thrive.
What’s your go-to weekend activity?
Shuttling my four daughters to ballet classes and rehearsals.
Where do you live and what do you love about it?
I live in Denver, Colorado. I love being able to see the mountains out my backdoor every day. The mountains have always represented possibility to me. From the bottom they look so big and impossible, but I’ve hiked to the top of Colorado’s tallest peaks, and have learned one step at a time, the impossible becomes achievable.
Read more about Carrie and her role at Marzano Research.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
