GAITHERSBURG, MD, July 30, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Heather L. Walter, EdD, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Walter has established herself as a distinguished figure in the field of special education, currently serving as an assistant professor of special education and senior scholar, Center for Advancement of Wellbeing at George Mason University. Since 2021, she has been deeply involved in teaching, coaching and supervising pre-service and early career educators, and partnering with the university and outside organizations to support the retention of educators and the quality of the workforce. Her role extends to participating in multiple research groups where she bridges research to practice for sustained results. She has conducted research in teacher well-being and retention, coaching, and systems change in educational settings. She also conducts mixed-methods research and conducts evaluations. Dr. Walter's commitment to fostering a diversity of thought within her research groups is one of her most notable achievements, along with her meaningful relationships with students, particularly when they return for guidance years later.

Dr. Walter's career trajectory is marked by a series of impactful roles. Prior to her current position, she was a visiting assistant professor and interim program director of the Early Childhood Special Education Program at The George Washington University from 2018 to 2021 after serving as adjunct faculty at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County for the preceding two years.

Earlier, Dr. Walter's roles include serving as a graduate research assistant at The George Washington University from 2015 to 2018 and supervising the early childhood practicum at The Catholic University of America in 2015. Her experience also includes positions as an early childhood specialist education coordinator for Fairfax County Public Schools and a kindergarten teacher at The River School from 2012 to 2013. Her journey began with positions as an early childhood intervention teacher for Anne Arundel County Public Schools and a first-grade collaborative team teacher at East Village Community School.

In addition to her academic roles, Dr. Walter founded Heather Walter Consulting LLC in 2020, where she serves as managing principal. Her expertise is further recognized through her membership in esteemed organizations, such as the American Educational Research Association, the Society for Research in Child Development, the Council for Exceptional Children and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Dr. Walter's educational background is extensive and has been influential in her career success. She earned an EdD in special education and disability studies from George Washington University and also holds an EdS in leadership for excellence in early achievement and development from the same institution. Her master's degree in inclusive elementary education and teaching students with disabilities was obtained at Teachers College, Columbia University, while her undergraduate studies culminated in a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies with a focus in Jewish education and sociology from the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York.

Furthering her expertise, Dr. Walter has obtained numerous certifications, including a Leading Thriving Organizations Continuing Education Certificate Project Frame Institute certification, both acquired in 2024. Her dedication to excellence is evident through the receipt of the Exchange Leader designation from the Dimensions Educational Research Foundation and recognition as second runner-up for the Mixed Methods Outstanding Dissertation Award by the American Educational Research Association.

Dr. Walters was initially inspired to pursue her work by the example set by her mother, a youth referral counselor who developed asset-based programs for families in low-income housing communities. Watching her mother's deep commitment to service instilled in her a strong sense of purpose. Her passion was further shaped by personal experiences—several of her mother's close friends had siblings with severe genetic conditions, some of whom passed away, which exposed her early on to the realities of medical and social challenges but also the gift that all individuals you meet bring teach you something about yourself. As someone who often felt overlooked herself during her childhood, she developed a deep empathy for individuals who struggle silently and a desire to advocate for those whose needs are often unseen.

Outside her professional life, Dr. Walter is involved in civic work, serving on various committees, such as the Personnel Preparation Committee for the Division for Early Childhood, and holding leadership roles on the Board of Trustees at Green Acres School. Her contributions extend to creative publications, co-authoring "Using Data-Based Processes to Create Sustainable Change in Your School and Community," published by Routledge in 2024.

In her personal life, Dr. Walter enjoys shopping, going to the theater, reading, working out, music and spending time with her family and friends. In all her work, both personal and professional, she believes that cultivating trust and relationships is essential for success. Without honoring others by actively listening, one is unable to empathize with them. Additionally, she acknowledges the role that her persistence and the mentorship she received played in her success.

Looking ahead, Dr. Walter aims to engage a more diverse group of individuals in decision-making processes within the education sector. By translating her research findings into actionable strategies, she seeks to drive systemic change that benefits teachers, employees and staff across educational institutions.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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