Jean Morrow, Ed.D., Chair and Professor Emeritus
jmorrow@emporia.edu Dr. Jean Morrow brings a wealth of teaching experience, “every grade except second,” as well as 10 years in high school administration with her. She has taught in the inner-city of Detroit, rural Iowa, Nebraska and metropolitan Boston. Dr. Morrow has earned M.A.’s from the University of Detroit and Creighton University in mathematics education and school administration and a doctorate from Boston University in educational media and technology. Dr. Morrow’s research interests include the integrated use of technology in mathematics teaching and learning. She was the first director of the PDS program in Olathe.
Tara Azwell, Ph.D., Professor
tazwell@emporia.edu
Dr. Tara Azwell is professor of Reading and Language Arts in the Department of Early Childhood/Elementary Teacher Education in the Teachers College. Dr. Azwell teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in reading/language arts education. Her research interests include reading comprehension, elementary-school literacy programs, and professional development for teachers.
Dr. Azwell has given numerous presentations on reading education at the national, regional, and state levels. She has co-authored four books about curriculum and teaching reading, as well as articles in journals including Kansas Journal of Reading.
Dr. Azwell is past-president of the Organization of Kansas Reading Association and Kansas Reading Professionals in Higher Education. Before joining the faculty at Emporia State University, she enjoyed twenty years teaching in elementary classrooms.
Lendi Bland, M.S., Instructor
lbland@emporia.edu
Lendi L. Bland has been a member of EC/ETE faculty since 2000. Prior to that she was an assistant professor and licensure officer at Sterling College, and an adjunct faculty member at Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, KY. She also taught grades four, five and six in Kansas and arts/humanities at two elementary schools in Russell Springs, KY. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Emporia State University, and is currently completing a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction at Kansas State University.
At ESU Mrs. Bland teaches a variety of methods courses, Introduction to Teaching, Reading and Writing Connections and is the coordinator of PDS sites in the Lebo/Waverly and North Lyon County school districts.
Barbara Bleeker, M.A., Instructor
bbleeker@emporia.eduBarbara Bleeker received her B.A. from the University of Colorado and her M.A. from Kansas State Teachers College, Emporia, KS, and began her career by teaching middle school English for several years. She has been on the ESU faculty since 1987. She teaches language arts courses and advises freshman elementary education majors in the Student Advising Center. Barbara and her husband, Gerrit, co-author a column about children's and young adult literature for the Topeka Capital Journal. In 1997 she received a National Academic Advising Association Outstanding Advisor Award and in 2000 she was the first ESU faculty member to receive the Golden Apple Award. She is especially proud of receiving the 2004-2005 Emporia State University Xi Phi Outstanding Faculty Award because that award is given by ESU students. She and three of her colleagues were also awarded a 2007 Outstanding Advising Technology Innovation Certificate of Merit at the 2007 National Academic Advising Association Conference for a CD computer game designed for incoming ESU students. The Bleekers have also donated several thousand children’s and young adult books to the ESU Visser Hall Resource Center.
Kristi Briggs, Senior Administrative Assistant
kbriggs@emporia.edu
Kristi Briggs has worked part time in the EC/ETE since 2006. She works closely with the PDS program assisting coordinators with recordkeeping, preparation of materials, preparation of stipends, and a myriad of other responsibilities related to the PDS program.
Joyce Clark, Ed.S., Instructor
jclark5@emporia.edu Joyce Clark is a Missouri native who lives in St. Joseph. After 26 years in Missouri public education as a teacher and principal, she joined Emporia State University as an instructor and Professional Development Schools (PDS) coordinator.
She is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University where she earned an Education Specialist Degree in the Superintendency, a Master of Science Degree in Reading Education, and principal certifications at both the elementary and secondary levels. Her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education comes from Southeast Missouri State University.
Joyce is a certified superintendent in Missouri and a certified teacher, elementary principal, and secondary principal in both Missouri and Kansas.
She teaches reading classes on the ESU campus and via the internet, and supervises student teachers for ESU in the Kansas City and Olathe school districts.
As an avid genealogist and Civil War enthusiast, her hobbies include reading and research of the Border War era.
Gerry Coffman, Ed.D., Professor
gcoffman@emporia.edu
Dr. Gerry Coffman is professor and Director of Reading in the Department of Early Childhood/Elementary Teacher Education in the Teachers College. Dr. Coffman teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in reading education. Her research interests include reading comprehension, elementary-school literacy programs, and professional development for teachers.
Dr. Coffman has given numerous presentations on reading education at the international, national, regional, and state levels. She has authored articles in journals such as The Reading Teacher, Reading Psychology, Reading Research and Instruction, and Kansas Journal of Reading.
Dr. Coffman is past-president of the Organization of Teacher Educators in Reading and Kansas Reading Professionals in Higher Education. She is project consultant for Kansas Reading First and serves on the Reading Specialist National Advisory Committee for the Educational Testing Service.
Dr. Coffman is licensed by the Kansas State Board of Education as a K-9 Elementary Teacher and PreK-12 Reading Specialist.
Beth Dobler, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
edobler@emporia.edu or bdobler@cox.net
Beth Dobler teaches reading and language arts courses at both the graduate and undergraduate level. She is also the coordinator for the Topeka Professional Development School program. Beth spent the first thirteen years of her teaching career as a classroom teacher in grades Kindergarten, first, third, and sixth. She joined the ESU faculty in 1998 and earned her doctorate in 2002 from Kansas State University. Dr. Dobler's research interests include web literacies and reading comprehension. She is an active member of the Kansas Reading Association and the International Reading Association and has publications in the Kansas Journal of Reading and Reading Research Quarterly. She is the coauthor of the book "Reading the Web: Strategies for Internet Inquiry".
Arlene Dodge, Administrative Specialist
adodge@emporia.edu
Arlene Dodge has worked for the EC/ETE Department since 2004, and had previously worked on campus in the Student Loan Office. She manages the office and assists the Chair and department faculty with their responsibilities at ESU.
Emily Eicke, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
eeicke@emporia.edu
Dr. Eicke grew up in Texas, where she earned a B.S.I.S. in early childhood education and a M.A .in education administration from Lubbock Christian University before completing her Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Texas Tech University. Before earning her Ph.D., she taught in the Lubbock I.S.D. public school system. She joined the Emporia State faculty in 2007 and teaches a combination of reading and language arts methods courses and graduate reading courses. Dr. Eicke’s research interest include culturally responsive teaching, multiple literacies, and academic success for students in Title I schools.
Eileen L. Hogan, Ph.D., Professor
ehogan@emporia.eduDr. Eileen L. Hogan received her Ph.D. from the University of Missouri, Columbia, in child development in December 1989. Her research dealt with the interactions between caregivers and parents and the subsequent effect that relationship might have on the care received by the child. She has secured over $100,000 in grant funds for the university which have been used to upgrade and expand the child care facilities on campus. She teaches the advanced developmental theories course as well as the early childhood curriculum class. She is the director of the early childhood master's program.
DeeAnn Holmes, M.S., Instructor
dholmes@emporia.edu
Ms. Dee Holmes has been an instructor in the department of EC/ETE since 1989. She received her BSE in elementary education from Emporia State University and then taught for 13 years in USD #253, Emporia School District as an elementary teacher. In 1988 she received her M.S. from Emporia State and joined the faculty as an instructor. She has taught reading methods, language arts methods, and seminars on learning/teaching models for pre-service teachers. Ms. Holmes has supervised numerous student teachers and reading practicum students over the past 18 years.
Ms. Holmes is presently the Director of the Emporia Professional Development Schools Program (PDS). She works with the Emporia School district to place interns in the Emporia Schools to complete their last year of professional field experiences. She monitors the interns’ progress throughout the year.
Ms. Holmes has served on several committees at the University, for Emporia Public Schools, the Kansas Reading Association, and on the Kansas State Board of Education Reading and Writing Advisory Council. She has been a state trainer in diagnostic reading assessments, authored or co-authored several published articles, given numerous presentations at the state and national level both individually and with various colleagues including her husband who is a professor of psychology at ESU, and conducted invited in-services for various school districts.
She is also the faculty advisor for Kansas-National Education Association-Student Program.
Scott Irwin, Ph.D., Professor
rirwin@emporia.eduDr. Scott Irwin received his Ph.D. in 1970 from the University of Texas, Austin, in elementary science and mathematics education. Former teacher of both elementary and high school science, Dr. Irwin teaches mostly self-paced, lab (hands-on) oriented courses to enhance teachers' competence AND confidence in working with K-8 students in a science setting. His courses are demanding, organized around a "mastery model" -- designed and directed for high percentage of student SUCCESS!
Ashlie Jack, M.S., Instructor
abarth@emporia.eduAshlie Jack is an instructor for Early Childhood/Elementary Teacher Education in the Teachers College. Before joining the Faculty at Emporia State University, Ms. Jack taught Reading and Language Arts at various grade levels. Ms. Jack teaches undergraduate courses in Reading and Language Arts, serves as a coordinator for Professional Development Schools Program, and is an advisor for students in the elementary education program.
Ms. Jack received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master in Science in Master Teacher/Reading Specialist from Emporia State University. Ms. Jack is currently completing her Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Reading and Language Arts at Kansas State University.
While working in the public school classroom Ms. Jack was bestowed with the honor of USD 490 Secondary Teacher of the Year, Kansas Teacher of the Year Nominee, and Master Teacher Outstanding Graduate Award.
Ms. Jack is licensed by the Kansas State Board of Education as a K-9 Elementary Teacher and Reading Specialist.
Fred LeMaster, Ed.D., Instructor
flemaste@emporia.eduDr. Fred LeMaster earned his Masters and Ed. Specialist degrees from Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas. He then completed his Doctorate in Education degree from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. A 36-year veteran educator, Dr. LeMaster has taught every grade, K-9, including special education.
He retired from Burlington Public Schools, Burlington, Kansas after 29 years as an Elementary Principal. Upon retirement, Dr. LeMaster joined Emporia State University Teachers College where he works as a student teacher supervisor and advisor in the KCKCC PDS program. He also teaches graduate and undergraduate education courses. His courses in Classroom Management are fast paced and center around his 36 years of experience working with children, teachers, and parents.
Lawrence Lyman, Ph.D., Professor
llyman@emporia.eduBefore joining the faculty at Emporia State, Dr. Larry Lyman taught elementary grades in California and Kansas and served as an elementary school principal. He received his Ph.D. from Kansas State University. Dr. Lyman's research includes the areas of cooperative learning, integrated curriculum, working with student teachers, and instructional supervision. Dr. Lyman teaches classes in classroom management, social studies methods and curriculum development. He also serves as a coordinator for the Professional Development Schools program.
Lori Mann, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
lmann@emporia.edu
Lori Mann is proud to be a Hornet and has a long-time connection with Emporia
State University! She holds two degrees from ESU, a BSE Degree in
elementary education (1979) and a MS in Curriculum and Instruction with a
reading emphasis (1981). In 2006, Lori completed her PhD at the University of Kansas in Curriculum and Instruction with emphases in reading and special education (traumatic brain injury). Her dissertation is titled Teaching
Reading to Adults with a Brain Injury: A Metacognitive Framework for
Individualized Reading Instruction.
In 1989, Lori returned to her alma mater as an instructor. She currently serves in the department of Early Childhood/Elementary Teacher Education as an assistant professor. Her responsibilities include teaching a variety of undergraduate and graduate reading classes, advising undergraduate and graduate students, and directing the Reading and Academic Success Center.
Lori has many interests, especially those related to education.
Prior to her position at ESU, Lori worked as an elementary
teacher, a daycare owner/provider, a youth ministry director, and a reading
specialist. She enjoys participating in a variety of professional and community
organizations, and enjoys serving as a consultant in her field. Lori’s primary
interests are in the areas of remedial reading instruction (all ages), vision and
learning, and traumatic brain injury.
Merle Patterson, M.S., Advisor
mpatters@emporia.edu
After attending Butler Community College on a football scholarship Merle Patterson transferred to Emporia State University and earned his BS Ed in 1968. After being discharged from the Air Force he began his teaching career in El Dorado, Kansas. He earned his MS degree in administration from Wichita State University in 1980. Mr. Patterson stayed in the El Dorado Schools for over thirty years as a teacher and administrator. He was the principal at El Dorado Middle School and later Grandview Elementary School. After retiring in 2003 Mr. Patterson joined Emporia State University as the BEST Program director and PDS coordinator located on the Butler Community College campus.
Gary Rice, Ph.D., Associate Professor
grice@emporia.edu
Dr. Gary Rice earned his doctorate in Reading and Language Arts from Syracuse University in 1990. Dr. Rice began his teaching career in 1981 as a middle school English teacher in Independence, MO. He has taught middle and high school English in suburban New York and on a Native American Reservation. Dr. Rice has been director of the reading clinics at the University of Texas - El Paso and University of Missouri - St. Louis. His research and teaching focus is on literacy issues of adolescent learners.
Carol Russell, Ed.D., Associate Professor
crussell@emporia.eduDr. Carol Russell earned her doctorate in special education from the University of South Dakota in 1996. She has worked with young children since 1975 and in higher education since 1981. Dr. Russell's research has been in the areas of artistic creativity, inclusive creative movement, and siblings of children with special needs. She is co-executive producer of "I Can Move," an inclusive creative movement video series for children with differing abilities, produced in conjunction with public television. She authored the I Can Move Program Manual. She has been a facilitator for SIBSHOPS (supportive workshops for siblings of children with special needs). Dr. Russell teaches classes in early childhood development, infants and toddlers, early childhood curriculum, early childhood administration, early childhood special education and artistic creativity of young children. She also is an advisor in the early childhood master’s program.
Matt Seimears, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
cseimear@emporia.eduDr. C. Matt Seimears grew up in Kansas, where he earned all four of his college degrees. He taught in Wichita, Kansas before earning a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Kansas State University in 2007. He has been on the faculty of Emporia State since 2004, teaching science methods courses and advising graduate students. Dr. Seimears research interests include, English Language Learners understanding of science, and the effects of constructivist-based teaching strategies on English Language Learners in science classrooms. Dr. Seimears enjoys playing rugby and spending time with his family.
Nancy Smith, Ph.D., Professor
nsmith@emporia.eduDr. Nancy Smith has been a faculty member in elementary education at ESU since the fall of 1994, and a full professor since 2005. She earned her BSE and MSE degrees from Central Missouri State University. She taught elementary school and middle school mathematics from 1980-1990. In 1994 she completed her Ph.D. in elementary education with an emphasis in mathematics education at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Dr. Smith has taught elementary mathematics methods courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, Introduction to Teaching, Foundations of Curriculum, field-based mini courses, and supervised student teachers and PDS interns. Her current interests include making the learning of mathematics meaningful and motivational, using the calculator as an instructional tool, and supporting elementary teachers as they reform their instructional practices. Dr. Smith currently serves as director of the Professional Development School program in Olathe, Kansas.
J. Sophie Thayer, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
jthayer@emporia.eduJ. Sophie Thayer received her PhD in Educational Psychology in 1995 from the University of Minnesota. Her interdisciplinary program included Early Childhood Special Education, Child Psychology, and Maternal and Child Health. Dr. Thayer’s research investigated the effects of a labor inhibiting drug on the behavior of neonates (infants birth-28 days). Her research appeared in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing in 1997 (Vol. 26, no. 6). Dr. Thayer was lead teacher in an HCEEP grant funded program for young children birth to age 5 and their families in St. Paul, MN. She was also a teacher in a model program for children birth-five with Down syndrome and their families in Minneapolis, MN. Her chapter “Unfolding of the New Baby’s Life within the Family” appears in Rynders, J. & Horrobin, M. (Eds) (1996).Down syndrome: Giving an EDGE to families during the growing up years: A guide for parents and professionals. Denver: Love Publishing. Dr. Thayer’s primary interest is in the area of infant mental health, and she has given numerous presentations and symposia on this topic, including poster presentations at the 11th and 16th Zero to Three National Training Institutes, and at the 10th Biennial International Conference of the International Society of Infant Studies. Dr. Thayer created the first online course in the Early Childhood program in 1999 and teaches online graduate courses in the foundations of early childhood special education, assessment of young children, working with families, and infant mental health. She received the Teachers College Award for Excellence in Instruction in 2002. Dr. Thayer is the current vice-president of the Kansas Association for Infant Mental Health (kaimh.org), and is a member of the state wide advisory committee on early childhood mental health, currently working on the adoption of a four-level endorsement process in infant mental health. Dr. Thayer is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Kansas’ Fifth Judicial District, and a member of the Emporia Human Relations Commission.
Tim Warner, M.S., Instructor
twarner@emporia.edu
After receiving a wrestling scholarship at Emporia State University, Tim Warner worked for his BSE in physical education and elementary education. Upon graduating Tim taught and coached for 15 years in Kansas. He continued his education at Wichita State where he received his masters in school administration. He was assistant principal at Andover Middle School for one year, before becoming principal at Garfield Elementary in Augusta, Kansas. After fifteen enjoyable years as principal he joined the Emporia State University faculty as an advisor, instructor and PDS supervisor for the BEST Program at Butler Community College.
Scott Waters, Ph.D., Professor
swaters@emporia.eduDr. Scott Waters grew up in Emporia and attended Emporia State, where he received his elementary education degree and a master's degree in administration. He taught elementary school in Emporia before earning his doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of Oregon in 1983. He has been on the faculty of Emporia State since 1985, teaching social studies courses and coordinating the Elementary Education Advising Office. Dr. Waters has had the opportunity to travel in China and spent six months in New Zealand conducting research on social studies methods in that country. He has five children and his wife teaches nutrition for the Biology/Nursing program.
Amy Welch, M.S., Coordinator
awelch@emporia.eduAmy Welch received her BS in elementary education from Northwest Missouri State University with a minor in early childhood, and her MS in Educational Policy and Administration from the University of Kansas. Her experience includes six years as a classroom teacher and ten years as an elementary principal. Mrs. Welch served as the director of the Kansas City Student teaching program for Kansas State University from 1999-2005. She began working for Emporia State University in 1999 as Clinical Supervisor for student teachers. Since 2005 she has served as a coordinator for the Professional Development School program in Olathe, Kansas.
Last Updated March 13, 2008