Neelofer Tajani, Ph.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education,
College of Education
Contact number: 281-283-3543
Email: tajani@uhcl.edu
Office: B1119-3
Biography
Dr. Neelofer Tajani is an early childhood education faculty member who teaches curriculum
design and instruction to preservice teachers in urban settings. Along with teaching,
she actively researches the effects of engaging diverse families in student learning.
Her research interests include how research-based best practices and recommended national
standards regarding family engagement are incorporated into an urban teacher preparation
program. Currently, she is investigating teacher candidates' perspectives and the
impact of COVID-19 on urban teacher preparation.
Dr. Tajani is passionate about lifelong learning and sharing her knowledge. She has
presented her work at various local, national, and international conferences. Her
recent work, titled "Teacher Educators’ Perspective on Preservice Teacher Preparation/Coursework
Provided to Engage Diverse Families for Student Learning," has been published in the
Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice.
Curriculum Vitae
Areas of Expertise
- Urban teacher preparation for family engagement
- Preservice teacher education
- Assessment in early childhood education
- Social and emotional development
Publications
- Tajani, N (2020). Teacher Educators’ Perspective on Preservice Teacher Preparation/ Coursework
- Provided to Engage Diverse Families for Student Learning. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice
- 20 (8), 135-140
- Tajani, N. (2017). Preservice teachers’ perspective on their preparation for family engagement. The
- Texas Forum of Teacher Educators, 7, 125-131.
- Tajani, N. (2013). Parental Involvement to Promote Student Learning. Advocate: Journal of Houston
- Area Association for the Education of Young Children
- Tajani, N. (2013). Effective and engaging strategies to use during circle time. Early Years: Journal of
- Texas Association for the Education of Young Children
Courses (Current Academic Year)
ECED 1303 Children and Families
ECED 4302 Integrated Curriculum for Young Children
ECED 4314 Observation and Development Assessment in Young Children
TCED 4378 Pre-Service Internship I
Research Projects
- Teacher Educators' Perspective on Preservice Teacher Preparation/Coursework Provided to Engage Diverse Families for Student Learning
- The Difference in Preservice Teachers’ Perspective on Preparation for Family Engagement in Urban School During Residency
- Preservice Teachers’ Perspective on Preparation to Engage Diverse Families for Student Learning in Urban Schools
Awards and Accomplishments
- 2021 Early Childhood Special Service Award for $10,000
- 2020 Prekindergarten Report Writer for Safal Partner for $2500
- 2019 Community of Practice Self Study Grant for $2500
- 2019 USPREP Faculty Training and Travel Award for $1,000
- 2017 NAEYC Building a Lasting Legacy Campaign Scholarship Recipient for $500
- 2016 Doctoral Student Research Travel Award for $500