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Faculty and Staff

CIFS faculty and staff are working on campus in varying degrees. The best, most consistent mode of reaching each faculty or staff member is via their emails listed below.

Department Chair and Administrative Assistant

  • Heather Williams

    Heather Williams, Ph.D.

    Department Chair

    I lead the Executive Educational Leadership program, which results in superintendent certification and an Educational Specialist degree. I transitioned to higher education after spending over twenty years as a teacher, administrator, school improvement consultant, and superintendent in primarily rural and low socio-economic P-12 school systems. I love to connect people and ideas, spanning boundaries to meaningful work that better serves all students. I am passionate about recruiting more teachers, leaders, and educators to serve in Idaho!

    I can help you with questions about our department and programs, as well as more specific questions related to administrators (both pre-service and re-certification requirements); educational leadership; policy implementation; rural education; and systems thinking in education.

    I lead the Executive Educational Leadership program, which results in superintendent certification and an Educational Specialist degree. I transitioned to higher education after spending over twenty years as a teacher, administrator, school improvement consultant, and superintendent in primarily rural and low socio-economic P-12 school systems. I love to connect people and ideas, spanning boundaries to meaningful work that better serves all students. I am passionate about recruiting more teachers, leaders, and educators to serve in Idaho!

    I can help you with questions about our department and programs, as well as more specific questions related to administrators (both pre-service and re-certification requirements); educational leadership; policy implementation; rural education; and systems thinking in education.

  • Jean Potter

    Jean Potter

    Administrative Assistant II

    I have a passion for education, both as a student and as a career. I love the Boise State campus with it’s beautiful scenery and vibrant student population.  Add in the visual and performing arts, campus events, and nationally recognized athletic programs, and you have the perfect place to work.

    I can help you find information about all the amazing programs offered through the CIFS department.  If I can’t find the answer, I will find the person who can.

    I have a passion for education, both as a student and as a career. I love the Boise State campus with it’s beautiful scenery and vibrant student population.  Add in the visual and performing arts, campus events, and nationally recognized athletic programs, and you have the perfect place to work.

    I can help you find information about all the amazing programs offered through the CIFS department.  If I can’t find the answer, I will find the person who can.

Faculty

  • Leslie Atkins, PhD

    Professor

    At Boise State I work in both IDoTeach – preparing science teachers – and in CIFS. My commitment to science education stems from a love of science (especially physics!) and a conviction that liberal education, publicly funded research, and academic debate are critical for a just democracy to thrive. I’m proud to work in a public university and prepare public school teachers, especially here in Idaho.

    I can help you with questions about our department and programs, and with considering a STEM teaching career or engaging in science education research.

    At Boise State I work in both IDoTeach – preparing science teachers – and in CIFS. My commitment to science education stems from a love of science (especially physics!) and a conviction that liberal education, publicly funded research, and academic debate are critical for a just democracy to thrive. I’m proud to work in a public university and prepare public school teachers, especially here in Idaho.

    I can help you with questions about our department and programs, and with considering a STEM teaching career or engaging in science education research.

  • Michele Carney

    Michele Carney, PhD

    Associate Professor

    At Boise State I work in the Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies department and direct the Boise State Regional Math Center. I am committed to serving teachers by providing high-quality and engaging mathematics professional development. I work on several grants that focus on supporting teachers in providing instruction that builds students’ understanding and interest in mathematics. Prior to coming to Boise State I worked as a math teacher, coach, and math curriculum coordinator in the West Ada School District.

    I can help in-service teachers find high quality mathematics professional development opportunities and I would love to have conversations with pre-service teachers and graduate students who are interested in working on projects focused on improving mathematics education for students.

    At Boise State I work in the Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies department and direct the Boise State Regional Math Center. I am committed to serving teachers by providing high-quality and engaging mathematics professional development. I work on several grants that focus on supporting teachers in providing instruction that builds students’ understanding and interest in mathematics. Prior to coming to Boise State I worked as a math teacher, coach, and math curriculum coordinator in the West Ada School District.

    I can help in-service teachers find high quality mathematics professional development opportunities and I would love to have conversations with pre-service teachers and graduate students who are interested in working on projects focused on improving mathematics education for students.

  • Bevin Etheridge

    Bevin Etheridge, Ed.D

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    I teach undergraduate and graduate students in Curriculum, Instruction and Foundational Studies.  I love sharing my passion for the history and philosophy of education, as well as research, with students.  I am particularly interested in exploring teaching, school reform and schools from a perspective grounded in student experiences.
    I can help you with exploring ‘big picture’ issues in education, as well as guide you in thinking about and researching your own topics of interest.
    I teach undergraduate and graduate students in Curriculum, Instruction and Foundational Studies.  I love sharing my passion for the history and philosophy of education, as well as research, with students.  I am particularly interested in exploring teaching, school reform and schools from a perspective grounded in student experiences.
    I can help you with exploring ‘big picture’ issues in education, as well as guide you in thinking about and researching your own topics of interest.
  • Sara Fry, Foundational Studies, Studio Portrait

    Sara Fry, PhD

    Professor

    I teach classes for CIFS, University Foundations, the Honors College and the Human Rights Certificate Program. I enjoy helping students recognize and develop their potential as participatory citizens who help create an inclusive and socially just world. My research reflects those teaching interests by focusing on service-learning, citizenship education, and diversity and inclusion. Prior to my university career, I taught middle school social studies and language arts in Colorado and Trinidad & Tobago.

    I can help you with questions about social studies education and participatory citizenship.

    I teach classes for CIFS, University Foundations, the Honors College and the Human Rights Certificate Program. I enjoy helping students recognize and develop their potential as participatory citizens who help create an inclusive and socially just world. My research reflects those teaching interests by focusing on service-learning, citizenship education, and diversity and inclusion. Prior to my university career, I taught middle school social studies and language arts in Colorado and Trinidad & Tobago.

    I can help you with questions about social studies education and participatory citizenship.

  • David Gabbard, Bilingual Education, studio portrait

    David Gabbard, PhD

    Professor

    Not only was I a first-generation college student, but I was also a first-generation kindergarten student. I earned my doctorate in educational foundations from the University of Cincinnati in 1991 and completed a post-doc at Penn State, where I had the tremendous fortune to work with Ivan Illich. I teach courses in the foundations of collective learning, the history of compulsory schooling, as well as curriculum theory and design. I am currently engaged in scholarship related to indigenous prophecies and Slavoj Zizek’s notion of a Positive Universal Project.

    I can help you make sense of school policy issues and think philosophically about the past, present, and future of collective learning.

    Not only was I a first-generation college student, but I was also a first-generation kindergarten student. I earned my doctorate in educational foundations from the University of Cincinnati in 1991 and completed a post-doc at Penn State, where I had the tremendous fortune to work with Ivan Illich. I teach courses in the foundations of collective learning, the history of compulsory schooling, as well as curriculum theory and design. I am currently engaged in scholarship related to indigenous prophecies and Slavoj Zizek’s notion of a Positive Universal Project.

    I can help you make sense of school policy issues and think philosophically about the past, present, and future of collective learning.

  • Sara Hagenah, CIFS, Studio portrait

    Sara Hagenah, PhD

    Associate Professor

    I am an Assistant Professor in the Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies Department and Co-Director of IDoTeach, our STEM Teacher Education Program. I teach both undergraduate and graduate students in IDoTeach, CIFS, Computer Science, and the Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Programs.

    I can help with questions about STEM teacher education, CS teaching endorsement, and graduate education programs.

    I am an Assistant Professor in the Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies Department and Co-Director of IDoTeach, our STEM Teacher Education Program. I teach both undergraduate and graduate students in IDoTeach, CIFS, Computer Science, and the Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Programs.

    I can help with questions about STEM teacher education, CS teaching endorsement, and graduate education programs.

  • Angel Larson

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    At Boise State I work in the Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies department and instruct professional year courses for elementary and secondary students. I am also a liaison for secondary interns and student teachers in the field. I love the excitement and energy of seniors embarking on their careers as educators. As a twenty year veteran in the k-12 classroom, I am passionate about providing an engaging, equitable, and inquiry based education to all students.

    I can help K-12 pre-service teachers navigate the professional demands of a teacher and love every minute of the experience. I can also help answer questions and dig deep into conversations about bringing theory to practice. It can be done!

    At Boise State I work in the Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies department and instruct professional year courses for elementary and secondary students. I am also a liaison for secondary interns and student teachers in the field. I love the excitement and energy of seniors embarking on their careers as educators. As a twenty year veteran in the k-12 classroom, I am passionate about providing an engaging, equitable, and inquiry based education to all students.

    I can help K-12 pre-service teachers navigate the professional demands of a teacher and love every minute of the experience. I can also help answer questions and dig deep into conversations about bringing theory to practice. It can be done!

  • Jackie Miller

    Jackie Miller

    Clinical Instructor

    I work in the Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies department at Boise State, teaching professional year courses for K-8 students. I am passionate about empowering pre-service and in-service teachers to grow their self-efficacy, implement best instructional practices, and embrace the journey of becoming masters of their craft. In addition to teaching, I serve as a liaison for interns in the field, supporting and coaching seniors as they enter the education profession, and I work as a Regional Math Specialist for the ROOT (Researching the Order of Teaching) project. Prior to working at Boise State, I directed the Idaho Coaching Network, a statewide network that provided professional development and coaching to teachers in every district across the state or Idaho, and before that, I taught elementary school in the Nampa School District.

    I can help K-12 pre-service teachers navigate and find great joy in their journey of becoming a teacher. I can offer coaching support and professional learning to pre- and in-service teachers as they implement the art and science of teaching. I love having conversations about pedagogy, leadership, culture, coaching, and professional learning. I value the unique backgrounds and expertise each individual brings to the table and enjoy collaborating as a thinking partner as we strive collectively to better serve students throughout their education.

    Education Building, Room 529

    I work in the Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies department at Boise State, teaching professional year courses for K-8 students. I am passionate about empowering pre-service and in-service teachers to grow their self-efficacy, implement best instructional practices, and embrace the journey of becoming masters of their craft. In addition to teaching, I serve as a liaison for interns in the field, supporting and coaching seniors as they enter the education profession, and I work as a Regional Math Specialist for the ROOT (Researching the Order of Teaching) project. Prior to working at Boise State, I directed the Idaho Coaching Network, a statewide network that provided professional development and coaching to teachers in every district across the state or Idaho, and before that, I taught elementary school in the Nampa School District.

    I can help K-12 pre-service teachers navigate and find great joy in their journey of becoming a teacher. I can offer coaching support and professional learning to pre- and in-service teachers as they implement the art and science of teaching. I love having conversations about pedagogy, leadership, culture, coaching, and professional learning. I value the unique backgrounds and expertise each individual brings to the table and enjoy collaborating as a thinking partner as we strive collectively to better serve students throughout their education.

  • Ya Mo, PhD

    Assistant Professor

    I work in the Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Foundational Studies at Boise State and am a research fellow at the National Institute of Statistical Sciences. I research quantitative methods, psychometric measures, and assessments; I also apply quantitative research methods to study substantive education topics, especially large-scale assessments.

    I can help you with questions about quantitative methods, measurement, and assessment.

    Education Building, Room 409

    I work in the Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Foundational Studies at Boise State and am a research fellow at the National Institute of Statistical Sciences. I research quantitative methods, psychometric measures, and assessments; I also apply quantitative research methods to study substantive education topics, especially large-scale assessments.

    I can help you with questions about quantitative methods, measurement, and assessment.

  • Serena Hicks

    Serena Morales, PhD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    At Boise State, I teach undergraduate and graduate students in teacher preparation programs and methods courses. I also coordinate the Master in Teaching, Secondary program and work to design initiatives for moving learning forward across programs at the University, including the Center for Learning and Instruction. My research focus includes assessment practices in higher education and bridging theory to practice. I am passionate about potential.

    I can help you with instructional and program design and practical ways to develop an assessment architecture. I love talking about strategies that engage learners and especially love conversations around pedagogy practices in higher education.

    At Boise State, I teach undergraduate and graduate students in teacher preparation programs and methods courses. I also coordinate the Master in Teaching, Secondary program and work to design initiatives for moving learning forward across programs at the University, including the Center for Learning and Instruction. My research focus includes assessment practices in higher education and bridging theory to practice. I am passionate about potential.

    I can help you with instructional and program design and practical ways to develop an assessment architecture. I love talking about strategies that engage learners and especially love conversations around pedagogy practices in higher education.

  • Michelle Satterfield

    Michelle Satterfield

    Clinical Instructor

    Education Building, Room 509
  • Carl Siebert, CIFS, College of Education, Studio portrait

    Carl Siebert, PhD

    Associate Professor

    After a very eclectic work history with training in computer science, math, business, and statistics, I arrived at Boise State in 2015. Over the past 15 years I have been committed to applied research, and I have learned to use methodological tools in various disciplines for practical applications in a variety of topics of interest. Thus, I am a methodologist – that is, I have advanced training in statistics, psychometrics, research methods, and program evaluation. My work involves finding better ways to measure, analyze, and evaluate latent constructs, most often with a goal of reducing disparities for marginalized populations. I work on several grants that focus on improving the lives of others, as well as help fund doctoral students in their own educational pursuits. Also, I am the Director of the Program Evaluation and Research Lab (PEARL) and the Director of the Master’s in Program Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics (PEMS) program.

    I can help those seeking assistance with collecting data, designing methods for projects, evaluating programs, or identifying appropriate analytical procedures for collected information. Also, I can help those looking for an evaluator or methodologist to join an effort to seek external funding or fill a role on an already-funded project.

    After a very eclectic work history with training in computer science, math, business, and statistics, I arrived at Boise State in 2015. Over the past 15 years I have been committed to applied research, and I have learned to use methodological tools in various disciplines for practical applications in a variety of topics of interest. Thus, I am a methodologist – that is, I have advanced training in statistics, psychometrics, research methods, and program evaluation. My work involves finding better ways to measure, analyze, and evaluate latent constructs, most often with a goal of reducing disparities for marginalized populations. I work on several grants that focus on improving the lives of others, as well as help fund doctoral students in their own educational pursuits. Also, I am the Director of the Program Evaluation and Research Lab (PEARL) and the Director of the Master’s in Program Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics (PEMS) program.

    I can help those seeking assistance with collecting data, designing methods for projects, evaluating programs, or identifying appropriate analytical procedures for collected information. Also, I can help those looking for an evaluator or methodologist to join an effort to seek external funding or fill a role on an already-funded project.

  • Jan Smith

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    At Boise State I teach in the STEM Education Program where students pursuing STEM degrees are seeking a teaching certificate.  I enjoy sharing my teaching expertise as students engage in and learn the art of teaching STEM. Prior to my time at Boise State, I spent 21 years teaching in public schools.

    I can help you find information and answer questions about our STEM teacher preparation program and how you can add this emphasis to your degree.

    At Boise State I teach in the STEM Education Program where students pursuing STEM degrees are seeking a teaching certificate.  I enjoy sharing my teaching expertise as students engage in and learn the art of teaching STEM. Prior to my time at Boise State, I spent 21 years teaching in public schools.

    I can help you find information and answer questions about our STEM teacher preparation program and how you can add this emphasis to your degree.

  • Jennifer Snow

    Jennifer Snow, PhD

    Professor

    One of the best parts about being a teacher educator is the continual learning and inquiry in which we engage in the College of Education. I have the thrill of following my passion for supporting and cultivating educators and educator preparation so that teachers realize their true potential influencing the lives of learners in and across the communities Boise State serves. Engaging in inquiry to ensure the highest quality educator preparation programs are sustained at Boise State, I have opportunities to “live the dream” – working in area classrooms, working with local education groups and policymakers, and working with a team of leaders and professionals who make coming to work a joy.

    I can help if you are interested in becoming an educator.

    One of the best parts about being a teacher educator is the continual learning and inquiry in which we engage in the College of Education. I have the thrill of following my passion for supporting and cultivating educators and educator preparation so that teachers realize their true potential influencing the lives of learners in and across the communities Boise State serves. Engaging in inquiry to ensure the highest quality educator preparation programs are sustained at Boise State, I have opportunities to “live the dream” – working in area classrooms, working with local education groups and policymakers, and working with a team of leaders and professionals who make coming to work a joy.

    I can help if you are interested in becoming an educator.

  • Keith Thiede

    Keith Thiede, PhD

    Professor

    One of my primary goals is to help build collaborations between our amazing faculty and outstanding doctoral candidates. I am the program coordinator the Ed.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction, and we offer several cognate areas of specialization. My training is in educational psychology, so I think about how students learn. I focus on how accurately students can monitor their learning, and how their monitoring influences how they study. Much of my research has involved finding ways to improve the accuracy of students’ monitoring of their own learning, and showing that monitoring accuracy plays an important role in learning.

    I can help if you are interested in thinking about doctoral studies or if you want to set up a study to monitor learning.

    One of my primary goals is to help build collaborations between our amazing faculty and outstanding doctoral candidates. I am the program coordinator the Ed.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction, and we offer several cognate areas of specialization. My training is in educational psychology, so I think about how students learn. I focus on how accurately students can monitor their learning, and how their monitoring influences how they study. Much of my research has involved finding ways to improve the accuracy of students’ monitoring of their own learning, and showing that monitoring accuracy plays an important role in learning.

    I can help if you are interested in thinking about doctoral studies or if you want to set up a study to monitor learning.

  • Matt Wigglesworth

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    I teach and co-teach field-based courses for the STEM Education program. I coordinate between the College of Education, STEM Education and local districts to provide high quality field placements for secondary science candidates. Additionally, I serve as the program’s outreach coordinator to support our efforts in providing access and engagement for our P-12 students and their families.

    I can help get you field experiences that guide your journey into a secondary science teaching position. I’ll work with department advisors and districts to individualize your degree and credential to maximize your learning and potential.

    I teach and co-teach field-based courses for the STEM Education program. I coordinate between the College of Education, STEM Education and local districts to provide high quality field placements for secondary science candidates. Additionally, I serve as the program’s outreach coordinator to support our efforts in providing access and engagement for our P-12 students and their families.

    I can help get you field experiences that guide your journey into a secondary science teaching position. I’ll work with department advisors and districts to individualize your degree and credential to maximize your learning and potential.

  • Man standing in front of Idaho Capitol building

    Rob Winslow, EdD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    At Boise State University I work in the Educational Leadership Program. I enjoy preparing students for leadership roles in schools. I have worked in Idaho as a school principal and I have led the school administrator association in the state. I love to work with aspiring leaders on their journey into the challenging role of educational leadership!

    I can help you with any questions about the Educational Leadership Program.

    At Boise State University I work in the Educational Leadership Program. I enjoy preparing students for leadership roles in schools. I have worked in Idaho as a school principal and I have led the school administrator association in the state. I love to work with aspiring leaders on their journey into the challenging role of educational leadership!

    I can help you with any questions about the Educational Leadership Program.

  • AJ Zenkert, Foundational Studies, Studio Portrait

    A.J. Zenkert, EdD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    I am a Clinical Associate Professor who spends a great deal of time thinking about the purposes of schooling and democracy and what we are doing/where we are going as a nation and why. I share that passion and wonder with students through my teaching of courses that explore the history and sociology of education and schooling and theories and philosophies about teaching and learning. I currently am co-advisor for the Teacher Education Ambassadors (TEA) student club and co-founder of the Undergraduate Center for Equity and Access in Teaching (UCREATe) which provides student-led and faculty-facilitated research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Additionally, I work closely with BSU students in the P-12 schooling environment and the teachers and administrators who support them and love every minute I invest in doing all of this!

    I can help if you are interested in thinking about/talking about/doing something about the things I discuss above in any way, shape, or form.

    I am a Clinical Associate Professor who spends a great deal of time thinking about the purposes of schooling and democracy and what we are doing/where we are going as a nation and why. I share that passion and wonder with students through my teaching of courses that explore the history and sociology of education and schooling and theories and philosophies about teaching and learning. I currently am co-advisor for the Teacher Education Ambassadors (TEA) student club and co-founder of the Undergraduate Center for Equity and Access in Teaching (UCREATe) which provides student-led and faculty-facilitated research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Additionally, I work closely with BSU students in the P-12 schooling environment and the teachers and administrators who support them and love every minute I invest in doing all of this!

    I can help if you are interested in thinking about/talking about/doing something about the things I discuss above in any way, shape, or form.

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