PhD, University of Toronto
MA, University of Toronto, 2013
BEd, University of Windsor, 1997
BA, University of Waterloo, 1995
BRS, Tyndale University, 1993
ARCT, Royal Conservatory of Music, 1993

Areas of Specialization

Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, Arts Education

Biography

Heather has experience teaching music, drama, dance, and visual art in elementary schools, leading teams where children design technologies for learning, and teaching educational technology and arts pedagogy to pre-service teachers. Her research focuses on inclusive teaching, cross-curricular integration of the arts, knowledge media design, and the use of digital technology in education. Dr. Birch also explores Christian teacher education, wellbeing in teacher education, and games for learning. Dr. Birch's work is recognized through various research grants and awards, and she actively contributes to professional organizations and committees dedicated to advancing educational initiatives, including research ethics, teacher education in Canada, and K-12 education in Ontario.