Dr. Anni K. Reinking

Anni K. Reinking, Ed.D., was a classroom teacher for 8 years in Mombasa, Kenya, on the Southside of Chicago, in Northwest Indiana, and in Central Illinois. She taught early childhood through middle school grades.  After completing her Ed.D., she began her career in higher education. Since 2015, she has worked in the field of research and as a professor at various schools throughout Illinois. During her time in higher education, she has been able to connect with organizations and individuals statewide, nationally, and internationally. Through these connections, she has able to provide workshops, consultation, and leadership guidance, while also continuing her research. Additionally, she has worked at the state level as an independent contractor focused on competency-based education and embedded technology. 

Finally, in June 2021, she began a new role in the field of research, specifically as the Director of Development and Educational Research at CSEdResearch.org. CSEdResearch.org is a startup non-profit focused on closing the equity gap in research and implementation within the Computer Science field K-12. 

Research Profile

- Trauma-informed practices
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging
- ABAR (Anti-Bias, Anti-Racist)
- Addressing challenging behaviors in learning environments
- Embedding technology 
- Developmentally Appropriate Practice
- LGBTQIA+ embedded history education
- Engaging in difficult conversations
- Developing positive classroom/school cultures
- Working with students and families living in poverty
- Multicultural education inclusion strategies
- Restorative Practices 
- STEM
- CS Education (computer science)

Organizations

ELECTED: Peoria School District Board Member (current) (2020-2025)
Peoria Public School Legacy Committee (2021-current)

Sharing a Vision Conference Co-Chair (Illinois) (2019 and 2021)
Faculty Fellow Leadership Team: Technology Lead: (2019-current)
Illinois State Board of Education IPEC Leadership Team: (2019- current) 
State Inclusion Committee (current) 
State Early Childhood Outcomes Committee (current)
Peoria PlayHouse Diversity Committee (current)
Illinois Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (ILAECTE): President (2019-2021)
Riverbend Head Start: Curriculum Chair (2017-2020)
Illinois Division of Early Childhood Education (IDEC): President (2018-2020)