Discoveries in Education Spotlight: Kate Seltzer
Discoveries in Education Spotlight: Kate Seltzer
Discoveries in Education Spotlight: Kate Seltzer
Current Position: Associate Professor, Department of Critical Literacy, Technology & Multilingual Education
Elected Board of Education Member, Collingswood, NJ
Championing Equity and Community Voice
Dr. Kate Seltzer is passionate about ensuring that public schools are inclusive, equitable spaces for all students. In addition to her work as an associate professor at Rowan University, she serves as an elected member of the Collingswood Board of Education, where she helps guide policy and decisions that shape the educational experience for her community.
“Being on the Board of Education has enabled me to leverage my experience as a former classroom teacher and current researcher and teacher-educator to make decisions about the schools where I live and raise my family,” she says. “I love being of service to my community and participating in decision-making that aligns with my passion and deep belief in equitable, inclusive public education.”
Restorative Approaches to Student Discipline
One of Seltzer’s proudest achievements has been advocating for and helping implement a new Student Code of Conduct for the district. The updated code embraces restorative practices rather than punitive measures, leading to a significant reduction in suspensions and other removals — and a rise in student attendance.
Staying True to Her Mission
Seltzer sees her role as a bridge between research, classroom practice, and policy. She works to represent her neighbors and stay grounded in what she believes about education, equity, and community representation. “I hope that having a committed, informed, equity-minded, and experienced education professional on the Board of Education has benefited my neighbors, the students in our schools, and the teachers and other educators who work so hard for our children,” she says.
Looking Ahead
With her re-election campaign approaching, Seltzer is focused on addressing disparities in student performance, especially for multilingual learners, students with IEPs, and students of color. “We’ve made progress in this area in the past few years,” she notes, “but focusing on the persistent disparities … is a top priority for me as a Board member.”
Seltzer also plans to continue speaking out against threats to funding and diversity initiatives that impact public schools across New Jersey. Her goal: to ensure that schools remain empowering, inclusive places for every learner.
At the Rowan University College of Education, we believe discoveries in education take many forms — from bold innovations to everyday acts of impact. This year, we’re spotlighting alumni, faculty, and students who are actively reimagining education, engaging communities, and transforming lives.
Whether you're leading research, launching a side project, mentoring others, improving classroom practices, or advocating for change, we’d love to hear your story. Read other Discoveries.
