Megan Chaffin, M.S. Ed.
UACL Graduate Assistant
Megan is a Ph.D. candidate in the University of Arkansas Department of Curriculum & Instruction and a former first-grade teacher. She attained her B.S. in Elementary Education and her M.S.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from Baylor University. She holds certifications in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and English as a Second Language. She is passionate about working with elementary teacher candidates to develop their understanding of literacy instructional practices within the classroom. She believes that teacher candidates should have the opportunity to engage with multiple literacy perspectives to build a variety of instructional methods in preparation to meet the unique needs of individual learners within their classrooms. For teacher candidates and practicing educators, she recommends the book, A History of Literacy Education: Waves of Theory and Practice by Tierney & Pearson. One of her favorite children’s books is The Little House.
To Megan, literacy is #not one size fits all
Sean Connors, Ph.D.
6-12 Enrichment Programming Coordinator
Sean is an Associate Professor of English Education for the University of Arkansas Department of Curriculum & Instruction and a former high school English teacher. He attained his Ph.D. from the Ohio State University. He is passionate about creating opportunities for students to use reading and writing as vehicles to explore their world and critique injustice. He has a special interest in new literacies, the application of diverse critical perspectives of young adult literature, and comics as a medium for telling stories. Sean believes reading literature fosters empathy and understanding while encouraging us to imagine more equitable ways of living together. For educators, he highly recommends the book, Book Love, by Penny Kittle. One of his favorite children’s books is The Magic Fish.
To Sean, literacy is #empowering
Stephanie Hicks, M.S., CCC-SLP, CALT
Clinic-Based Programming Coordinator
Stephanie is a Clinical Instructor of Communication Sciences & Disorders at the University of Arkansas with extensive training and experience working with children with learning differences, articulation delays, and language delays/disorders. She attained her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, is a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT), and is currently training to be a QI (Qualitative Instructor) for CALTS/CALPS. She is passionate about early identification for children with learning differences (speech, language, reading) and providing quality services and resources for their caregivers. Stephanie believes literacy is a powerful tool that opens up countless opportunities for personal growth, and that being able to ‘escape’ into a book brings joy to children as they learn. For families and educators, she recommends the book, Overcoming Dyslexia by Shaywitz. One of her favorite children’s books is Amelia Bedelia.
To Stephanie, literacy is #happiness
Rhett Hutchins, Ph.D.
UACL Resource Specialist
Rhett is a Teaching Associate Professor and the Program Coordinator for the Education Studies degree at the University of Arkansas Department of Curriculum & Instruction. He is a former middle and high school teacher, as well as a former graduate assistant for the University of Georgia Reading Clinic. He has dual degrees in Biological Sciences and Science Teaching, his M.Ed. in Science Education, and a Ph.D. in Language & Literacy Education. He is passionate about literacy as a necessary component of productive citizenry, particularly the usefulness of scientific and religious literacy practices. Rhett believes people use multiple literacies daily and that those literacies provide fundamental interactions with others and society. For educators, he highly recommends the book, Content Area Reading and Literacy: Succeeding in Today’s Diverse Classrooms, by Donna Alvermann. One of his favorite children’s books is Winston, Newton, Elton, & Ed.
To Rhett, literacy is #connectivity
Bonnie King, Ed.D.
School-Based Programming Coordinator
Bonnie is a Teaching Assistant Professor for the University of Arkansas Department of Curriculum & Instruction and a former Kindergarten teacher. She attained her B.S.E in Elementary Education, her M.A.T in Childhood Education, and an Ed.D. in Adult Learning. She also holds a Trauma Informed Teaching Specialist certificate. She is passionate about humanizing the educational experience for all learners because every student deserves a teacher who provides rigorous learning experiences for all. Bonnie believes that supporting students’ ability to communicate effectively empowers them to change their future and creates positive systemic change. For educators, she highly recommends the book, Equity-Centered Trauma-Informed Education, by Alex Shervin Venet. One of her favorite children’s books is Goodnight, Gorilla.
To Bonnie, literacy is #empowerment
Kristi Mascher, Ph.D.
Executive Leader & PK-5 Enrichment Programming Coordinator
kamasche@uark.edu
Kristi is a Teaching Assistant Professor for the University of Arkansas Department of Curriculum & Instruction and a former Kindergarten and Gifted Education teacher. She attained her B.S.E in Elementary Education, her M.Ed. in Special Education: Gifted Education, and her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction for the Gifted & Talented. She holds certifications in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and K-12 Gifted & Talented Education. She is passionate about designing equity-centered, cross-curricular learning opportunities that enrich the community’s lives. Kristi believes that high-quality and engaging literacy instruction unlocks lifelong doors deserved by everyone, and that stories hold the power to connect us. For educators, she highly recommends the book, Unpack Your Impact, by O’Brien & Tabb. One of her favorite children’s books is If you Give a Mouse a Cookie.
To Kristi, literacy is #a key to social change
Jacquelyn Scalf, M.S., CALT-QI
School-Based Programming Coordinator
Jacquelyn is a Special Education Instructor for the University of Arkansas Department of Curriculum & Instruction with extensive experience coaching special education educators in effective literacy instruction, including those who are pursuing certification as academic language therapists to work with students with Dyslexia. She holds a master’s degree in reading, and is certified in 4-12 Special Education in addition to being a Certified Academic Language Therapist, Quality Instructor (QI), and the current vice president of ALTA AR. Jacquelyn is passionate about equal access to quality, evidenced-based literacy instruction, and believes that literacy is the foundation for all learning. For educators, she highly recommends the book, Multisensory Teaching of Basic Literacy Skills, by Birsch & Carreker. One of her favorite children’s books is Dragons Love Tacos.
To Jacquelyn, literacy is #empowering
Lexi Woodward, M.A.T.
Multicultural Literacy Programming Coordinator
Lexi is a graduate assistant for the University of Arkansas Department of Curriculum & Instruction and a former elementary teacher. She attained her B.S.E. in Childhood Education, and her M.A.T. with a reading endorsement from the University of Arkansas. She is passionate about literacy events and experiences that celebrate the diverse cultures and languages represented by students. She believes in the fluidity between languages as a vehicle for literacy as equity and celebration. For educators, she recommends the book, Rooted in Strength by Espinosa & Ascenzi-Moreno. One of her favorite children’s books is A Chair for my Mother.
To Lexi, literacy is #the human experience
Heather Young, Ph.D.
School-Based Programming Coordinator
Heather is an Associate Professor for the University of Arkansas Department of Curriculum & Instruction. She is a former Kindergarten teacher and reading specialist. She attained her B.S. in Elementary Education, her M.S. in Reading Education, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction with a literacy focus. She is passionate about designing interprofessional literacy experiences that authentically benefit students, families, and school personnel. Heather believes by working together, we can enrich the lived experiences of those in our community, as literacy opens doors, diminishes barriers, and holds life-changing power. For educators, she highly recommends the book, Choice Words: How our Language Affects Children’s Learning, by Peter Johnston. One of her favorite children’s books is Blueberries for Sal.
To Heather, literacy is #joy-inducing & life-changing