Dr. Kristen Carlson currently serves as the program coordinator for the doctorate in Educational Leadership at Minnesota State University Moorhead. She also serves as the Director of Teacher Education leading efforts to prepare educators for contemporary classrooms, ensuring alignment with state and national licensure standards while advancing innovative teaching practices. Dr. Carlson has an extensive background teaching graduate courses in instructional design, technology integration, and educational leadership. Her work emphasizes creating equitable, student-centered learning environments and integrating technology to enhance teaching and learning. A scholar-practitioner, Dr. Carlson has led projects on online learning best practices, curriculum redesigns, and mentored faculty and doctoral learners in adopting research-driven instructional strategies. Dr. Carlson’s commitment to educational equity, innovation, and lifelong learning informs her leadership and scholarship. With a strong focus on bridging theory and practice, she continues to shape the field of teacher preparation and technology integration through collaborative research, mentorship, and professional development initiatives.