Occupation: Associate Professor of Elementary and Early Childhood Education
Company: Kennesaw State University
Education:
EdD in Teacher Education, Emphasis in Language, Literacy, and ESL Education, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (2004)
MS in Child and Family Studies, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (1982)
BS in Home Economics Education, Emphasis in Child Development, Occupational Child Care, English, and Curriculum and Instruction, Carson-Newman University, Jefferson City, TN (1980)
Certifications:
ESOL Endorsement, Kennesaw State University (2006); Certification for Teaching, Kindergarten-Third Grade, English, Vocational Home Economics, Care and Guidance of Children, and Elementary Grades 1-8
Career:
Associate Professor of Literacy and Language Education, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA (2004-Present)
Adjunct Instructor, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (2002-2004)
Graduate Associate, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (2002-2004)
Graduate Assistant, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (2000-2002)
Elementary School Teacher, Christian Academy of Knoxville, TN (1981-2000)
Graduate Assistant and Teacher, The University of Tennessee Child Development Laboratory, Knoxville, TN (1980-1981)
Career Related:
Reviewer/Consultant in Field
Civic:
President, CARE; Worked with Communities on Literacy Projects; Professional Development, Navajo School; Member, Numerous Committees
Creative Works:
Co-editor, Journal of Young Adult and Children’s Literature (2014-Present); Co-author, “Promoting Educational Success Through Culturally Situated Instruction,” Lexington Books (2021); Co-author, “Exploring Research for Effective Instruction in the Elementary Grades,” Kendall Hunt Publishers, Dubuque, Iowa (2015); Author, “Keys for Opening Doors to Achievement and Lifelong Literacy,” Kendall Hunt Publishers, Dubuque, Iowa (2014); Co-author, “Keys for Literacy Instruction in the Elementary Grades,” Second Edition, Kendall Hunt Publishers, Dubuque, Iowa (2013); Co-author, “Keys to Literacy Instruction for the Net Generation: Grades 4 to 12,” Kendall Hunt Publishers, Dubuque, Iowa (2013); Co-author, “Keys for Literacy Instruction in the Elementary Grades,” Kendall Hunt Publishers, Dubuque, Iowa (2012); Co-author, “Sailing Across the Content Areas with Literacy Strategies in the Elementary Grades,” Kendall Hunt Publishers, Dubuque, Iowa (2012); Co-author, “Unlocking the Power of Language: Research-based Strategies for Literacy Development,” Kendall Hunt Publishers, Dubuque, Iowa (2009); Co-editor, Facilitator, Newsletter of Professional Teacher Education Unit, Kennesaw State University (2004-2006); Editorial Board, Journal of Invitational Theory and Practice; Contributor, Articles to Professional Journals; Contributor, Book Chapters, Conference Proceedings and Textbooks; Presenter in Field
Achievements:
Semi-finalist for the university-wide Distinguished Professor Service Award, KSU Foundation (2013); Semi-finalist for the university-wide Research and Creative Activity Award, KSU Foundation (2010, 2011)
Awards:
Recipient, A.B. Herr Award for Outstanding Contributions to Literacy Education, Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (2018); Honoree, Faculty for Distinguished Professor Service at the Graduate Level, EECE (2012); Honoree, Faculty for the University Scholars Convocation (2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012); Listee, National Registry of Professional Women (2009-2012); Recipient, Distinguished Undergraduate Professor Service Award, Kennesaw State University Bagwell College of Education (2011); Recipient, Faculty Award for Undergraduate Scholarship, EECE (2010, 2011); Listee, Madison Who’s Who Registry of Executives and Professionals (2007-2011); Honoree, Distinguished Undergraduate Professor , Kennesaw State University Bagwell College of Education (2010); Recipient, Certificate of Recognition and Inclusion, Registry of Elite American Educators (2010); Honoree, Faculty for Graduate Students During the Graduation Hooding Ceremonies (2006, 2008, 2010); Honoree, Member of the Year for Exemplary Achievement and Distinguished Contributions to the Business Community, Madison Who’s Who Registry of Executives and Professionals (2009-2010); Honoree, VIP for Service to the Business Community, Madison Who’s Who Registry of Executives and Professionals (2009); Listee, Princeton Global Network Special Edition Registry (2009); Listee, Cambridge Who’s Who Registry of Executives and Professionals (2005-2006); Recipient, Research and Creative Activity Award; Honoree, Selected Cohort, Bagwell Organizational Leadership Development; Fellow, AVATAR; Recipient, Grants
Memberships:
Historian, Kappa Omicron Nu (2 Years); Chair, College and Adult Literacy Division, Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers; Member, American Psychological Association; Member, International Literacy Association (Formerly International Reading Association); Member, Literacy Research Association, Inc.; Member, Georgia Reading Association; Member, Georgia Council for the Social Studies (GCSS); Member, International Alliance for Invitational Education; Member, International Studies Association; Member, Association of Teacher Educators; Member, American Educational Research Association; Lifetime Member, Madison Who’s Who Registry of Executives and Professionals; Member, National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE); Member, Whole Language Umbrella; Member, National Association for Multicultural Education; Member, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD); Member, National Council of Teachers of English, Member, Whole Language Umbrella; Member, Phi Delta Kappa; Member, Pi Lambda Theta; Historian, Kappa Delta Pi; President and Vice President, Sigma Tau Delta; Past President, Phi Kappa Phi; Member, Delta Kappa Gamma
Family:
Daughter of Ruby J. Brack and Gene A. Brack
Married: James Coffey (35 Years)
Brother: Alan Brack
Hobbies:
Skating; Volleyball; Hiking; Travelling (China/Australia)
