EECE Faculty and 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

  • Interim Chair of the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education and Professor of English Education

    jdail1@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6626
    KH 3203

Faculty

Name
Position

  • Erin Adams, Associate Profesor at KSU

    Associate Professor of Social Science Education

    eadams55@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2781
    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, Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at KSU

    Associate Professor of Curriculum & Instruction

    talviar@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-5066
    KH 3209

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

  • Sohyun An, Professor of Social Studies Education at KSU

    Professor of Social Studies Education

    san2@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6718
    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. 

  • Associate Professor of Elementary Science Education

    aarias5@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-5257
    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, Professor of Early Childhood Education at KSU

    Professor of Elementary and Early Childhood Education

    dbell22@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2267
    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.

  • Dr. Debra Coffey, Associate Professor at KSU

    Associate Professor of Elementary and Early Childhood Education

    dcoffey1@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-3387
    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.

  • Senior Lecturer of Elementary Education

    scolli48@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6121
    KH 3106

  • Associate Professor of Reading and Literacy Education

    rgardn21@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-4885
    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, Childrenâ s Literature in Education, The Journal of Childrens Literature, Research in The Teaching of English, and Language Arts. 

  • Senior Lecturer of Birth through Kindergarten

    lgrant50@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-5018
    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.

  • Dr. Paula Guerra, Professor at KSU

    Professor of Mathematics Education

    pguerra2@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-7590
    KH 3117

    Mathematics Education

  • Senior Lecturer of Mathematics Education

    jhale44@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-3460
    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.

  • Associate Professor of Mathematics Education

    ahillen@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6103
    KH 3103

    I work with prospective elementary school teachers, teaching specialized mathematics content courses for KSUâ 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, Associate Professor of Mathematics Education at KSU

    Associate Professor of Elementary Mathematics Education

    liddeen@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-7536
    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, Assistant Professor of Reading and Literacy Education at KSU

    Assistant Professor of Reading and Literacy Education

    vjacks33@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-5016
    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, Professor of Early Childhood Education at KSU

    Interim ESS Director and Professor of Early Childhood Education

    rjeansig@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-4475
    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, Lecturer in Birth to Kindergarten Program at KSU

    Senior Lecturer of Early Childhood Education

    mjohn502@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6123
    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, Associate Professor at KSU

    Associate Professor of Elementary and Early Childhood Education

    jkim224@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6619
    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, Associate Professor of Birth through K Education at KSU

    Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education

    ykim44@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6781
    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, Associate Professor at KSU

    Associate Professor of Elementary and Early Childhood Education

    ekingmck@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6237
    KH 3115

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

  • Dr. Soon Lee, Assistant Professor of Science Education at KSU

    Associate Professor of Science Education

    slee263@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2542
    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.

  • Dr. Rasheda Likely, Assistant Professor of Science Education at KSU

    Assistant Professor of Science Education

    rlikely@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6121
    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, Associate Professor of Mathematics Education at KSU

    Limited Term Assistant Professor of Math Education

    mmcglon2@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6121
    KH 3212

    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.

  • Dr. Marrielle Myers, Associate Professor of Mathematics Education at KSU

    Director of Faculty Success, Engagement & Wellness and Professor of Mathematics Education

    mmyers22@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-4752
    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 teachersâ 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.

  • Dr. Scott Ritchie, Professor of Language and Literacy Education, Affiliated Faculty in Gender and Women

    Professor of Language and Literacy Education

    sritchie@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6958
    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, Assistant Professor of Reading and Literacy Education at KSU

    Associate Professor of Reading and Literacy Education

    srodri51@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2809
    KH 3023

    Assistant Professor of Reading and Literacy Education

  • Dr. Jessica Stephenson Reaves, Assistant Professor of Science Education at KSU

    Assistant Professor of Science Education

    jstep198@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-7699
    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. 

  • Associate Professor of Elementary and Early Childhood Education

    csuttonb@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6927
    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, Assistant Professor of Science Education at KSU

    Assistant Professor of Science Education

    ptitu@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6119
    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. 

  • Dr. Shannon Tovey, Associate Professor of Reading and Literacy Education

    Associate Professor of Reading and Literacy Education

    showrey@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-3215
    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.

  • Professor of Elementary and Early Childhood Education

    iukeje@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-3640
    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, Associate Professor of Elementary Mathematics Education at KSU

    Associate Professor of Elementary Mathematics Education

    jward105@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-7875
    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.

  • Dr. Mark Warner, Professor of Elementary Education at KSU

    Professor of Elementary and Early Childhood Education

    mwarner8@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6118
    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.

EECE Part-time Faculty & Staff