Profile

Will Parnell, EdD, is the pedagogical director of the early childhood schools at Portland State University and is an assistant professor in education. He also coordinates the master's specialization in early childhood education for the Graduate School of Education's Curriculum and Instruction Department. His specialty areas are environments and designs for learning and teaching, equity and culture in early education, documenting young children's learning, and facilitating narratives. Dr. Parnell currently serves on the Reggio Inspiration Network Council, the RECE program committee, and is a School Board member at The Emerson School.

Dr. Parnell finished his doctorate in education at PSU in 2005, and has been researching the role of the Reggio-inspired studio, studio teachers, children's creative expression, and children's representative work. Currently, he is in the process of writing articles focusing on phenomenological experiences in the PSU Helen Gordon Center studios.

Dr. Parnell has been in the early education field since 1986 with a wide background of teaching and leadership, ranging from work in places such as lab schools, parent cooperatives, and public school settings. He has consulted and started several schools for young children and has designed children's indoor and outdoor spaces with local architects over the years.

Will Parnell, EdD
Portland State University
Graduate School of Education
Curriculum and Instruction
PO Box 751
615 SW Harrison
Room 573
Portland, OR 97207-0751
Phone: 503-725-3091
Fax: 503-725-5323
Email: parnellw@pdx.edu