Expertise

My research explores best practices for teaching reading in the areas of K-12 education, pre-service teacher education, and in-service teacher professional development. My early research explored the impact of independent reading with student-teacher conferences on students’ reading volume and reading achievement.

My research has also explored the impact of team-based learning on preservice teachers’ efficacy for literacy instruction and learning outcomes.

My research in-service teacher knowledge and professional development has explored the impact of one-on-one mentoring, which showed changes in the teacher’s instructional practices. My current research is exploring the impact of state-wide literacy legislation and training in the science of reading on Pre-K through fifth grade teachers’ knowledge, beliefs, and confidence in teaching literacy and language.

Communities
Special Education, Teacher Education, Educational Leadership
Degrees
PhD, University of South Alabama, Instructional Design and Development, 2016
MEd, University of South Alabama, Reading Specialist, 2010
BS, University of South Alabama, Elementary Education, 2006