EECE Faculty & Staff

Faculty and staff in the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education possess a broad range of expertise in research and curriculum development, including, but not limited to:

  • Preparing teachers for culturally and linguistically diverse learning environments
  • Differentiating instruction
  • Promoting literacy across the content areas
  • Developing students’ critical thinking skills
  • STEM education
  • Social justice education
  • Appreciating human diversity

Our faculty also have expertise in online learning and course development.

Through the use of a continuous improvement process, faculty and staff strive to enhance the quality of our undergraduate and graduate programs through the redesign of course requirements and field experiences that address the rigor of the standards provided by national content organizations, as well as the ever-changing demands of the 21st century.

EECE Interim Chair 

Name
Position
  • Stacy Delacruz

    Stacy Delacruz Interim Chair of EECE and Professor of Reading

    Dr. Stacy Delacruz Position:
    Interim Chair of EECE and Professor of Reading

    Phone: (470) 578-6626
    Email: sdelacru@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3203


    My research expertise is K-12 digital literacy, focusing on digital equity, multiliteracies, and embedding technology tools into literacy teaching and learning. I have presented at ISTE, ILA, LRA, etc., and have published in journals such as Techtrends: Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learning, and The Journal of Reading Education. I also currently serve as the President-Elect of the Organization of Teacher Educators in Literacy, a special interest group of the International Literacy Association.

Faculty

Name
Position
  • Erin Adams

    Erin Adams Associate Professor

    Dr. Erin AdamsPosition:
    Associate Professor

    Phone: (470) 578-2781
    Email: eadams55@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3024


    I primarily teach courses on social studies methods and classroom communities. I am interested in the teaching and learning of economics, discourses about work in schools, and using poststructural theories to understand our socio-economic contexts.
  • Theresa Alviar

    Theresa Alviar Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction

    Theresa Alviar-MartinPosition:
    Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction

    Phone: (470) 578-5066
    Email: talviar@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3209


    My research and teaching examine curriculum and teachers within the context of democratic schooling in a multicultural, global age.
  • Sohyun An

    Sohyun An Professor

    Sohyun AnPosition:
    Professor

    Phone: (470) 578-6718
    Email: san2@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3121


    I am a Professor of Social Studies Education. My teaching and research center on anti-racist social studies, critical war studies, and Asian American studies. I have contributed to Smithsonian and PBS curriculum projects regarding teaching Asian American history and have my research cited in several media outlets, including CNN, Time, New York Times, Reuters, Vox, and USA Today.  I am a former high school social studies teacher in South Korea.  
  • Anna Arias

    Anna Arias Associate Professor of Elementary Science Education

    Position:
    Associate Professor of Elementary Science Education

    Phone: (470) 578-5257
    Email: aarias5@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3102


    My research and teaching focus on supporting learning to teach elementary science. I consider the roles of curriculum materials, professional development, and teacher education in facilitating learning to engage students in science practices (e.g., investigation, argumentation) to make sense of science ideas and concepts.  
  • Douglas Bell

    Douglas Bell Professor of Early Childhood Education

    Douglas BellPosition:
    Professor of Early Childhood Education

    Phone: (470) 578-2267
    Email: dbell22@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3019A


    My research and teaching focus on best practices working with young children. I have a strong emphasis on early care administration, infant/toddler quality, young dual language learners, early literacy, challenging behaviors, and supporting social emotional development in the classroom.
  • Debra Coffey

    Debra Coffey Associate Professor

    Debra CoffeyPosition:
    Associate Professor

    Phone: (470) 578-3387
    Email: dcoffey1@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3021


    Dr. Debra Coffey is an associate professor who enjoys teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education at Kennesaw State University. Her chapters, articles, manuals, and seven textbooks resulted from extensive professional collaboration, and they highlight innovations with digital literacy, multicultural literature, and research-based strategies for literacy development. She provided professional development for teachers in Belize, Costa Rica, and Ecuador and shared her experiences in teaching students from preschool to the university level.

    Dr. Coffey, recipient of the 2018 ALER A.B. Herr Award honoring outstanding contributions to literacy education, has established national collaborative networks as Chair of the Clinical Division, Chair of the College and Adult Literacy Division, and Co-Chair of the Historian Committee of the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers. She has orchestrated local, national, and international literacy projects as the KSU Phi Kappa Phi President, the State Field Council Representative for the Literacy Research Association, Regional Initiatives Director and Board of Trustees member for the International Alliance for Invitational Education, and advisor of the KSU chapter of Kappa Delta Pi. Dr. Debra Coffey serves the profession internationally as President of the CARE Special Interest Group of the International Literacy Association.

  • Susan Collins

    Susan Collins Senior Lecturer of Elementary Education

    Position:
    Senior Lecturer of Elementary Education

    Phone: (470) 578-6121
    Email: scolli48@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3106


     
  • Roberta Gardner

    Roberta Gardner Associate Professor of Reading and Literacy Education

    Position:
    Associate Professor of Reading and Literacy Education

    Phone: (470) 578-4885
    Email: rgardn21@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3211


    Roberta Price Gardner is an assistant professor of reading and literacy education. Her research explores Black childhood literacies, African American childrens literature, social-cultural contexts of literacy, particularly emotion and racialized trauma, and the policy implications of race, place, gender, and social class on literacy and literature.  She serves on the Executive Committee of the National Council Teachers of English, and Co-Director of NCTEs Professional Dyads and Culturally Relevant Teaching program. Her work has appeared in journals such as Urban Education, Children’s Literature in Education, The Journal of Childrens Literature, Research in The Teaching of English, and Language Arts. 
  • Linda Grant

    Linda Grant Lecturer of Birth through Kindergarten

    Position:
    Lecturer of Birth through Kindergarten

    Phone: (470) 578-5018
    Email: lgrant50@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3022


    I have been a teacher educator for over 20 years, and currently teach child development and early childhood curriculum courses. I also have specialized training in infant and toddler development and curriculum, dual language learners, and professional learning communities. My research interests are feminist/womanist perspectives on early childhood education, pedagogical approaches of African American early childhood educators and the child's role in teacher education.
  • Paula Guerra

    Paula Guerra Professor

    Dr. Paula GuerraPosition:
    Professor

    Phone: (470) 578-7590
    Email: pguerra2@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3117


    Mathematics Education
  • Jessica Hale

    Jessica Hale Lecturer of Mathematics Education

    Position:
    Lecturer of Mathematics Education

    Phone: (470) 578-3460
    Email: jhale44@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3114


    I am a lecturer of Mathematics Education in the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education. I learn alongside our students as an instructor in our math methods and math content courses for undergraduate elementary education majors. My teaching and research focus on issues of equity in mathematics teaching and learning.
  • Amy Hillen

    Amy Hillen Associate Professor of Mathematics Education

    Position:
    Associate Professor of Mathematics Education

    Phone: (470) 578-6103
    Email: ahillen@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3103


    I work with prospective elementary school teachers, teaching specialized mathematics content courses for KSU’s undergraduate elementary education majors. My research interests are in how mathematical tasks support teacher and student learning, particularly in the contexts of whole numbers, rational numbers, and algebraic thinking. I also do research in helping teachers make connections between mathematics and other content areas including literacy and art.  
  • Lateefah Id-Deen

    Lateefah Id-Deen Associate Professor of Mathematics Education

    Dr. Lateefah Id-DeenPosition:
    Associate Professor of Mathematics Education

    Phone: (470) 578-7536
    Email: liddeen@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3215


    I teach mathematics methods courses with an emphasis on culturally relevant pedagogies for undergraduate elementary education majors and introductory education courses. My research examines vulnerable students mathematics identities and sense of belonging to enhance student-teacher relationships in mathematics classrooms. I also explore Black students perspectives on their experiences in mathematics classrooms, and ways to support educators in hearing and developing practice in relation to students expressed interests.
  • Virginie Jackson

    Virginie Jackson Assistant Professor of Reading and Literacy Education

    Virginie JacksonPosition:
    Assistant Professor of Reading and Literacy Education

    Phone: (470) 578-5016
    Email: vjacks33@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3207


    I teach undergraduate reading methods, reading assessments, and pre-school curriculum courses. My research focuses on early literacy and critical literacy development of young learners through digital literacy and the integration of the arts.
  • Raynice Jean-Sigur

    Raynice Jean-Sigur Professor of Early Childhood Education

    Raynice Jean-SigurPosition:
    Professor of Early Childhood Education

    Phone: (470) 578-4475
    Email: rjeansig@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3009A


    I, along with my colleagues, launched the Birth through Kindergarten (B-K) undergraduate degree program and served as program coordinator for several years. My research interests include diversity in Early Childhood Education, families and children with medical/special needs and teacher preparation /leadership for early care and learning providers.
  • Monique Johnson

    Monique Johnson Lecturer in Birth to Kindergarten program

    Monique JohnsonPosition:
    Lecturer in Birth to Kindergarten program

    Phone: (470) 578-6123
    Email: mjohn502@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3018


    I am a full time lecturer in the Birth to Kindergarten program.I also teach courses as part of the Teacher Preparation Program.
  • Jinhee Kim

    Jinhee Kim Associate Professor

    Jinhee KimPosition:
    Associate Professor

    Phone: (470) 578-6619
    Email: jkim224@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3221


    My research and teaching focus on challenging the taken-for-granted teaching practices embedded in curriculum and analysis of discourses that teachers have toward marginalized children.
  • Yanghee Kim

    Yanghee Kim Associate Professor of Birth through K Education

    Yanghee KimPosition:
    Associate Professor of Birth through K Education

    Phone: (470) 578-6781
    Email: ykim44@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3020


    Currently I teach Creative Curriculum; Family, School, and Community Collaboration; International Approaches to ECE; and Approaches to Early Learning. My main research interest focuses on the creation of school environment that maximizes the engagement of families, especially minority families. I have published my research with Childhood Education, Early Child Development and Care, Early Years, Educational Research Review, Health Care for Woman International, Journal of Educational Research, and Teaching and Teacher Education.
  • Ethel King-McKenzie

    Ethel King-McKenzie Associate Professor

    Ethel L. L. King-McKenziePosition:
    Associate Professor

    Phone: (470) 578-6237
    Email: ekingmck@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3115


    Teach social studies methods and any other subject assigned by the chair.
  • Soon Lee

    Soon Lee Assistant Professor of Science Education

    Dr. Soon LeePosition:
    Assistant Professor of Science Education

    Phone: (470) 578-2542
    Email: slee263@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3110


    Dr. Soon Lee holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Science Education from the Ohio State University. Dr. Lee has dedicated his research endeavors to areas such as AI-powered science classroom discourse analysis, distance-based instructional coaching methodologies, and the strategic application of educational technologies for enriching science instruction. Dr. Lee has successfully led as the principal investigator on several PD projects, specifically tailored to augment the pedagogical techniques of elementary teachers in the realm of science instruction. Notably, his work has been showcased in the Journal of Science Teacher Education, International Journal of STEM Education, Innovations in Science Teacher Education, and the Journal of College Science Teaching, to name a few.
  • Rasheda Likely

    Rasheda Likely Assistant Professor of Science Education

    Dr. Rasheda LikelyPosition:
    Assistant Professor of Science Education

    Phone: (470) 578-6121
    Email: rlikely@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3008


    Rasheda Likely is a native of Pensacola, FL. She earned both her Bachelors and Masters of Science in Biology from the University of North Florida. Prior to her doctoral studies at Drexel University, she worked as a medical scientist for the Florida Department of Health where she performed testing during the Zika virus outbreak. While attending Drexel, she has been pivotal in the development and implementation of seven different science curricula across the Greater Philadelphia Area. Over 400 elementary and middle school students and teachers have participated in these science programs, two of which were grant funded by the US Department of Education.

    Beyond learning alongside future science educators, Dr. Likely's research passions include developing and implementing decolonized science curricula and culturally sustaining assessments. Her dissertation research titled "Lotions and Potions: Exploring Black Girls' Engagement in and Perceptions of Science Practices through Hair Care" led to the development of a 70 page science workbook that culminates with a DIY video as an assessment tool. Dr. Rasheda Likely takes great delight in imagining and creating learning experiences that support the brilliance of minoritized students. 

  • Monisola McGlone

    Monisola McGlone Associate Professor of Mathematics Education

    Monisola McGlonePosition:
    Associate Professor of Mathematics Education

    Phone: (470) 578-6121
    Email: mmcglon2@kennesaw.edu
    Location: MS 243


    I am an Associate Professor of Mathematics Education specializing in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. With over 15 years of experience in academia, I am dedicated to advancing the field of mathematics education. My research interests in early childhood education focus on mathematical development, effective pedagogical practices, the integration of technology, and assessment and evaluation in mathematics. I am committed to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where early childhood educators can explore and implement innovative approaches to teaching mathematics.
  • Marrielle Myers

    Marrielle Myers Associate Professor

    Dr. Marrielle MyersPosition:
    Associate Professor

    Phone: (470) 578-4752
    Email: mmyers22@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3119


    Dr. Marrielle Myers (she/her) is an Associate Professor of Mathematics Education in the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education. She teaches math methods and content courses to prospective elementary teachers. She also teaches educational equity and diversity courses for practicing teachers. Dr. Myers engages in scholarship in three areas a) preparing and supporting teachers' development of political knowledge and critical consciousness, b) supporting Black teachers’ understanding of teaching for justice and engagement in creative insubordination at PWIs, and c) supporting teachers and teacher educators to navigate educational censorship.

    Dr. Myers currently serves as the Director of Belonging for the Bagwell College of Education, Director of the early career BIPOC mentoring program for The Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE), the Program Chair for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Research Committee, a board member for the Teachers Development Group (TDG), and a fellow for The Math Learning Center (MLC). Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion frames her service work with these professional organizations.

  • Scott Ritchie

    Scott Ritchie Professor of Language and Literacy Education, Affiliated Faculty in Gender and Women's Studies

    Scott RitchiePosition:
    Professor of Language and Literacy Education, Affiliated Faculty in Gender and Women's Studies

    Phone: (470) 578-6958
    Email: sritchie@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3123


    Scott Ritchie, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Language and Literacy Education in the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education. A former grassroots community organizer, P-5 classroom teacher/administrator, literacy coach, Dismantling Racism trainer, and Professional Liaison for Diversity for the Bagwell College of Education, Dr. Ritchie currently teaches courses in undergraduate and graduate literacy education, educational equity and social justice, gender and women's studies, and qualitative research methods.

    Dr. Ritchie's research interests include critical literacies, critical content analysis of children's picture books, gender and masculinity studies, and teacher education for social justice. His work has been published in the Journal of Teacher Education, Journal of Language and Literacy Education, Teachers College Record, and Current Issues in Comparative Education, and he serves on editorial boards including Language Arts journal and the Journal of Children's Literature. Dr. Ritchie serves on the Elementary Section Steering Committee of the National Council of Teachers of English and the board of the Center for Expansion of Language and Thinking.

    Education
    Graduate Certificate, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Georgia State University, 2015
    Ph.D., Language and Literacy Education, University of Georgia, 2010
    M.Ed., Antioch University New England, 2000
    A.B., Philosophy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1994

  • Sanjuana Rodriguez

    Sanjuana Rodriguez Associate Professor

    Sanjuana RodriguezPosition:
    Associate Professor

    Phone: (470) 578-2809
    Email: srodri51@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3023


    Assistant Professor of Reading and Literacy Education
  • Jessica Stephenson Reaves

    Jessica Stephenson Reaves Assistant Professor of Science Education

    Dr. ReavesPosition:
    Assistant Professor of Science Education

    Phone: (470) 578-7041
    Email: jstep198@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3113


    Dr. Stephenson Reaves teaches science courses for elementary education students and has experience teaching K12 science education methods courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels.  Her research interests are focused on science curriculum development and professional development for K12 teachers in environmental sciences and learning and teaching for sustainability and climate resilience.  She holds a BS in Environmental Science with minors in Chemistry and Aquatic Resources from Virginia Tech, a MA in Science Education from the University of Virginia, and a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, Science Education, from Virginia Tech.  Dr. Stephenson Reaves has taught K12 Environmental Science in both public and private schools in the US, and abroad in Germany and the UAE, before joining the faculty at KSU. 
  • Camille Sutton-Brown-Fox

    Camille Sutton-Brown-Fox Associate Professor of Elementary and Early Childhood Education

    Position:
    Associate Professor of Elementary and Early Childhood Education

    Phone: (470) 578-6927
    Email: csuttonb@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3108


    I am an assistant professor of Educational Research. My expertise lies in qualitative inquiry, participatory action research, visual methods, transnational feminism, international development, and photovoice methodology. I have conducted research in several community-based development settings, including a multi-site photovoice study on women's empowerment in the context of microfinance in the West African nation of Mali. My current research agenda focuses on integrating democratic research processes to explore topics related to social justice.
  • Preethi Titu

    Preethi Titu Assistant Professor of Science Education

    TituPosition:
    Assistant Professor of Science Education

    Phone: (470) 578-6119
    Email: ptitu@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3217


    Preethi Titu is an Assistant professor of Science Education in the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education. She has a background in teaching at higher education settings as well as K-12 schools and her work focuses on both pre-service and in-service teachers to meaningfully integrate STEM pedagogy into classroom practice. She earned her PhD in STEM Education from the University of Minnesota. Her doctoral dissertation focused on "Understanding Teacher Professional Identity Development", where she explored Secondary Science Teacher beliefs and practices through reflective practice. Her research interests have focused broadly on issues of understanding (i) how teachers' beliefs impact their classroom practice, (ii) teachers' conception of STEM and (iii) teachers' attitudes toward culturally diverse students. She is also passionate about working on preparing culturally responsive science and math educators. She is currently involved in an IES grant project aimed at supporting reform based instruction of AP Chemistry teachers’  
  • Shannon Tovey

    Shannon Tovey Associate Professor of Reading and Literacy Education

    Dr. Shannon HowreyPosition:
    Associate Professor of Reading and Literacy Education

    Phone: (470) 578-3215
    Email: showrey@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3105


    I teach undergraduate and graduate courses in literacy methods and coordinate the graduate reading endorsement program. My research interests are in how children's literature impacts both teacher educators and children, particularly in terms of intercultural understandings and resilience skills, respectively. I also do research in helping to teachers to use technology for reading more effectively.
  • Ike Ukeje

    Ike Ukeje Professor of Education

    Position:
    Professor of Education

    Phone: (470) 578-3640
    Email: iukeje@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3125


    Professor of Elementary Childhood Education, Former, Assistant to the Vice President of Research, Former Chair, Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education
  • Jennifer Ward

    Jennifer Ward Associate Professor of Elementary Mathematics Education

    Jennifer Ward HeadshotPosition:
    Associate Professor of Elementary Mathematics Education

    Phone: (470) 578-7875
    Email: jward105@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3213


    I am an Associate Professor of Mathematics Education in the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education. My research focuses on teaching mathematics to young children (Birth through Grade 3) through a social justice lens. I also focus on working with pre-service and in-service teachers to teach mathematics in early childhood settings.
  • Mark Warner

    Mark Warner Professor of Elementary Education

    Mark WarnerPosition:
    Professor of Elementary Education

    Phone: (470) 578-6118
    Email: mwarner8@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3107


    Dr. Mark Warner has taught social studies, curriculum and assessment, research methodology, and technology integration courses at the university level for 25 years. His primary research interest is integrating problem based learning and technology into the 21st century classroom. Prior to his work in higher education, Dr. Warner was a school principal and taught grades 5-8 math, social studies, and language arts for 15 years.

Staff

Name
Position
  • Denise Francis

    Denise Francis Office Manager

    Position:
    Office Manager

    Phone: (470) 578-6121
    Email: dfranci8@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3205


     
  • Trisha Junior

    Trisha Junior Office Manager

    Trisha JuniorPosition:
    Office Manager

    Phone: (470) 578-6121
    Email: tjunior@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3204


     
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