Ayça Fackler
- Assistant Professor
Dr. Ayça Fackler is an Assistant Professor of Science Education in the Department of Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum at the University of Missouri. Before joining the faculty at MU, she taught science at the K-12 level and science teaching methods for preservice elementary teachers at the postsecondary level. Dr. Fackler also worked as an education specialist in measurement and evaluation in education at the Turkish Education Association.
Dr. Fackler’s research integrates concepts and frameworks from science education, literacy, and linguistics to reconceptualize language use in science practices. Her work aims to support learners from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds in understanding and engaging with scientific concepts. Foundational to her research program is the idea that every student, regardless of their linguistic background, current engagement with science, or other factors, not only deserves to receive meaningful and equitable science instruction necessary to be successful but also has the potential to thrive while being true to their intersectional identities in science classrooms. Her research supports teachers in developing practices that integrate language and science content instruction to create inclusive and just multilingual and multicultural classrooms.
Dr. Fackler is a Jhumki Basu and Sandra Abell Fellow and has been recognized by NARST for her dedication to equity and justice in science education, particularly for underrepresented groups. A first-generation college graduate and bilingual researcher, she holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Science Education from the University of Georgia, an M.A. in Measurement and Evaluation in Education from Ankara University, and a joint B.S. and M.Ed. in Secondary Science and Mathematics Education with a focus on Biology Education from Gazi University.
Areas of Expertise
- Linguistic justice in science education
- Multilingual learners
- Elementary science education
- Science teacher education
- Qualitative research methods