Dr. Carmen Polka

Dr. Carmen Polka has worked diligently to infuse critical thinking into her classroom instruction, curriculum, and assessment since 2002. Recognized as her district’s Elementary Teacher of the Year, Dr. Polka's students and their families have thrived in her classroom culture that fosters strong-sense critical thinking. As of late, Dr. Polka served eight years as principal of a school with students that are in Early Childhood through fifth grade. Leaning into systems, structures, and continual professional development, Dr. Polka's school is a leading K-12 institution for the implementation of strong-sense, fairminded critical thinking.

Focused on transforming education through implementation of quality instructional practices, Dr. Polka instigated and co-authored the writing of the Colorado Academic State Standards targeting research and reasoning based on the Paul-Elder framework in 2010. As a leader and critical thinking expert in her district, she led professional development and coached K-12 teachers to effectively utilize Paulian theory. As a Scholar of the Foundation for Critical Thinking, Dr. Polka has led focal presentations, academies, and workshops, and supports all levels of Paulian implementation in schools, districts, and universities.

Dr. Polka is currently an Executive Director of Early Childhood and Elementary schools. She earned her doctorate in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program at the University of Northern Colorado, with her dissertation on critical thinking. In addition, she is a licensed K-12 Special Education teacher.

To contact Dr. Carmen Polka, please email polka@criticalthinking.org .

Dr. Carmen Polka

Announcing the Return of the Foundation for Critical Thinking Press

Announcing the Return of the
Foundation for Critical Thinking Press