About the Department of Teaching & Leading
Launch your impactful career in education with the Department of Teaching and Leading.
We're committed to shaping exceptional teachers and leaders through rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs. From Bachelor's degrees in high-demand fields like Elementary and Special Education to advanced Master's and Specialist programs in Leadership and Instruction, we provide the tools and experiences you need to succeed. Join a community dedicated to excellence, where you'll benefit from evidence-based instruction, real-world field experiences, and opportunities to engage in meaningful initiatives like peace studies and oral history projects.
Discover your potential and make a difference—start your journey with us today.
Mission Statement
The Department of Teaching and leading is committed to the preparation of highly-qualified teachers and school leaders who demonstrate the skills, dispositions, and knowledge to enhance student success in a variety of P-12 environments. We demonstrate the highest standards of teaching, research, and service. We are committed to continued growth and improvement through the use of evidence-based instruction, inclusive pedagogies, authentic field experiences, and collaboration with a variety of professionals and community partners.
Faculty & Staff
Our dedicated faculty and staff members come from a broad range of backgrounds and are eager to educate our students. With small class sizes, students can expect involved and accessible instructors.
Full Time Faculty & Staff
Trisha Barefield, PhD
- Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership
- UH Suite 366, Room 370
- Assistant Professor /Endorsement Coordinator
- UH Suite 366, 369
706-737-1496
- MAT Academic Advisor
- UH Suite 366, Room 384
706-737-1496
- Assistant Professor/Education Leadership Coordinator
- UH Suite 366, Room 363
706-737-1496
Jialin Lai, PhD
- Assistant Professor in Teaching and Leading
- UH Suite 366, Room 375
Lindsey Lush, PhD
- Assistant Professor in Teaching and Leading
- UH Suite 366, Room 385
- Assistant Professor of Educational
- Leadership
- UH Suite 366, Room 364
706-737-1496
- Assistant Professor/Assistant Department Chair
- UH Suite 366, Room 364
706-737-1496
Hunter Strickland, PhD
- Assistant Professor of Literacy
- UH Suite 366, Room 366 B
Ana-Maria Topliceanu, PhD
- Assistant Professor in Teaching and Leading
- UH Suite 366, Room 371
Jeremy Watts, PhD
- Associate Professor of Educational Leadership
- UH Suite 366, Room 235 B
Part Time Faculty
Carey Aycock-Cushman
Bonnie Belanger
Alexandra Beldin
Michael Berg, EDD
Claire Blair
Xavier Bradley
Rosalie Carraway, EDD
Susan Cottingham
Emily Driggers
Elizabeth Evans, EDD
Phyllis Gamble, EDD
Judith Geter, EDD
Brandon Haas
Jason Holt
Kayla Hostetler, PHD
Tynetta Jenkins, PHD
Sarah Klein
Stacy Kluge, MED
Kathleen Kohl
Kay Lilly
Sylvia Martin, EDD
Randi Mills
Patricia Moseley
Elizabeth Murray-Pendergraft, PHD
Cheri Ogden, EDD
Kevin Ogorman
Naesha Parks
Renee Perry
Kristina Ralston
Steven Rhodes, EDD
Titania Singh
William Smith
Lisa Soloff, EDD
Paul Spadaro
Scott Sutherland
Donna Taylor
Taylor Thompson
Lori Tucker, EDS
Tiffany Turner-Hall
Kimberly Vaughn, EDD