About me
Dr. Dorothy Shapland Rodriguez is a Professor in the Special Education, Early Childhood, and Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education Department at the School of Education, Metropolitan State University of Denver. A nationally recognized expert in trauma-informed equity practices and leadership, she brings over 40 years of experience teaching preschool and elementary students in public, private, and charter schools in Colorado and New Jersey.
She has served half her career as a teacher leader, curriculum writer, instructional coach, consultant, and professional development provider for schools, centers, educators, and leaders across the US. Her expertise lies in effective, intentional, antibias, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed teaching and learning, as well as in guiding schools and early childhood programs toward equity-centered leadership and practice.
Dr. Shapland Rodriguez is committed to transforming education through compassion, justice, and reflection, equipping educators to meet the needs of all learners and communities. Her work bridges research and real-world application to support lasting, systemic change for inclusive, healing-centered learning spaces where all children and educators can thrive.
