Fatemeh (Emma) Arian Nejad

 
Fatemeh has studied in different countries throughout her education, which has given her a unique perspective and knowledge of various educational philosophies and ways of knowing and learning. She holds a BA in English Literature, an MA in English Literature, and is currently completing her second MA at UBC in Early Childhood Education. She acknowledges that she is an uninvited guest on this land, and is grateful to live, work, and learn on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) People.

Over the course of her 17-year career in the field of education, Fatemeh has worked in various capacities, including as an Early Childhood Educator, Preschool Supervisor, PYP and MYP Instructor, ESL Instructor, University TA, University Lecturer, Coordinator, Workshop Leader, and Teacher Trainer. Additionally, she is a mother to a 7-year-old, whose presence has profoundly impacted her understanding and knowledge of childhood in many ways.

Her research interests include the successful inclusion of children with special needs in early childhood settings, as well as their participation, involvement and peer relationships. She is interested in the family collaboration of neurodiverse children with diverse cultural backgrounds with their learning environment, as well as newcomer parents’ experiences with navigating the healthcare and education system.

Her vision is to celebrate the ecstasy of childhood, this vibrant stage of life, cherish, and inspire the bold spirit of boundless exploration and creativity of childhood, and ultimately support and nurture them, for they are the beating heart of our world. She tends to believe that we belong to a world where we are all dwelling together and our actions and decisions influence the entire humanity, therefore we need to be mindful of our commitment to our world. Early childhood is the best age to create an atmosphere of tolerance and respect as well as learn what it means to be a good citizen of the world.