Samantha Didrichsen
Research Interest
Understanding Executive Function and Self-Regulation Skills in Young Children (especially those from marginalized groups and with disabilities); Exploring Disparities and Issues of Equity in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education; Implementing Strengths-Based Interventions in Early Childhood Special Education; Supporting Early Childhood Special Educators as They Navigate the Beginning of Their Careers.
I am a teacher educator looking to make a difference in the preparation of future early childhood and early childhood special educators in New York. I have several years of teaching experience working with young children with disabilities in urban areas such as New York City and the City of Buffalo. My ultimate goal would be to become an assistant faculty member and help grow, strengthen and support teacher preparation programs at the university level. I use a Vygotskian approach and implement Universal Design for Learning in all of my university-level teaching experiences, whether in-person or online. Mentoring teacher candidates is something that brings my joy.
I am currently analyzing data for my mixed methods phenomenological dissertation titled, "Losing Joy: Understanding the Phenomenon of Burnout in Early Childhood Special Educators". I am on track to graduate in May 2026.