ISHE Research Scientist Dr. Qingqing Yang Receives Prestigious NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship

We are proud to announce that Dr. Qingqing Yang, a Research Scientist at the Institute for Social and Health Equity (ISHE) at the University at Albany, SUNY, has been awarded the 2025 National Academy of Education (NAEd)/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship.

This highly competitive fellowship supports early-career scholars whose work advances understanding of education's role in improving individual lives and society. Dr. Yang’s research project, titled “Early Care and Education Teacher Job Satisfaction: Patterns, Predictors, and Impacts Across Three Large-Scale Longitudinal Datasets,” explores one of the most pressing issues in early childhood education—educator job satisfaction. 

Through rigorous analysis of three complementary, large-scale longitudinal datasets, her research will examine how teacher job satisfaction varies across settings and over time, particularly pre- and post-pandemic. Identify personal, contextual, and structural predictors of satisfaction, including classroom composition and leadership dynamics. Assess how teacher satisfaction impacts children’s academic, behavioral, and executive functioning outcomes.  

The study emphasizes identifying modifiable factors to improve teacher retention—especially among educators of color—and enhance developmental outcomes for children in vulnerable communities. Dr. Yang specializes in early childhood education with a focus on educator well-being and educational equity. Her work integrates multidisciplinary theories and quantitative methods to advance equitable learning environments for young children. Her research has been widely published and featured in leading journals and national media outlets, and recognized by state and federal agencies.  

We at ISHE celebrate this recognition of Dr. Yang’s leadership in advancing research that shapes policy, practice, and outcomes in early education.  Congratulations, Dr. Yang, on this well-deserved honor!