welcome.

Gwen Bass’s work focuses on engaging teachers, families and the community of support professionals around children to improve school experiences and long-term outcomes. She uses her research and expertise to enhance opportunities for marginalized students and improve educational access and outcomes for children with learning differences. Dedicated to training teachers, social workers and parents so they can collaborate to support children in schools, she is particularly interested in serving the most vulnerable children, including youth with disabilities and youth in foster care.

Dr. Bass frequently presents on inclusive classroom practices, behavior management, child development, child welfare systems, parent education, measurement and evaluation of social emotional skills in schools, and trauma-sensitive teaching. Dr. Bass provides educational and parenting consultation and training for caregivers, teachers, and social workers.

Prior to working in professional and graduate education, Bass spent 10 years in pre-K-12 schools as an early childhood educator, special education teacher and school counselor. 

What does this all mean for you?

I have firsthand experience interfacing with teachers, child welfare agencies, foster parents, adoptive parents, and social workers.  I’ve held many of these roles and I understand each fully.

I excel at connecting with challenging kids, understanding behaviors and emotions, seeing issues from multiple perspectives, and helping others to vision creative ways forward in the context of hard situations.

I understand that school is not always the first priority for kids in transition. The first step is building strong relationships, feeling heard and listening to others, and developing the confidence to pursue their interests.

I know there is never a “one-size fits all” solution to anything, especially not teaching or parenting. My approach puts an emphasis on sharing ideas and helping you build a tool kit that works for you and your situation.  

We all feel most successful when our role is clear and validated, when we have the information and support needed to manage challenges, and when we can see our efforts paying off.

educator. Consultant. Coach.

For more on my doctoral research, see here. 

Click here for recent presentations, publications & features

Check out minute videos on educating kids from home!

Education

UMASS AMHERST
PhD, Special Education, 2016

UMASS AMHERST
MEd, School Counseling, 2015

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
MA, Sport Management, 2005

MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE
BA, Psychology and Education, 2004

Professional Highlights

• 10 Years in PreK-12 Education

• 10 Years in Teacher Education

• Research:

  • Integrating Counseling in Special Education

  • Assessing Social Emotional Learning

  • Curriculum Effectiveness

  • Parent Engagement

  • Foster Parent Training

  • Outcomes for Youth with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders

  • Child Welfare in an International Context