Dr. Janna Dresden: Janna Dresden is the director of the Office of School Engagement and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Early Childhood Program in the Department of Elementary and Social Studies Education. She has 15 years of experience as a classroom teacher in pre-K, kindergarten and first grade, and has also worked as a director of day care and after-school programs. Her background in professional development and teacher education includes positions as Education Coordinator for Hull House in Chicago, instructor at Northern Illinois University, and assistant professor at Auburn University. Janna earned a B.A. from the University of Michigan, an A.M. from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from UGA. Her research interests focus on assessment and on the integration of theory and practice in teacher preparation.
Dr. Kathy Thompson: Kathy Thompson is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Middle School Education Program of the Department of Elementary and Social Studies Education, teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses and leading outreach efforts in Georgia schools. Kathy is currently a Professor-in-Residence at Hilsman Middle School in Clarke County School District and was a 2008-2009 Service-Learning Senior Scholar at The University of Georgia.. In 2007, she was named a Service-Learning Fellow by the Office of Service-Learning and facilitated a Faculty Learning Community, sponsored by UGA’s Center for Teaching and Learning, focused on conducting research related to service-learning.. She provides service-learning professional development to P-12 Georgia educators and serves on the Georgia Department of Education Learn & Serve Advisory Board. Kathy earned a Ph.D. in Middle School Education from The University of Georgia in 1999.
Dr. Lew Allen: Lew is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Elementary and Social Studies Education. His research and outreach efforts focus on how to promote schools as democratic learning communities that are student-oriented and focused on improving teaching and learning for all. He also partners with schools that work to provide all students with strong academic and social skills, problem solving abilities, and civic attitudes that will equip them to work for a better democratic life for all. Lew serves as the Professor-in-Residence at J.J. Harris Elementary Charter School in the Clarke County School District. He received his Ed.D in Administration from the University of Georgia.
Erica Gilbertson: Erica is a Public Service Faculty Representative in the College of Education and Project Manager for the Office of School Engagement. She documents and promotes the work of the Clarke County School District (CCSD) and UGA COE Professional Development School District (PDSD) Partnership, as well as assists in managing the Teach to Learn Partnership with CCSD. She most recently served as the Program Director for a DOE Promise Neighborhood Planning Grant, known as “Whatever It Takes” in Athens. Prior to moving to Athens, she managed a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant that created six small innovative public high schools in Sacramento. Erica also worked as the Communications Manager for the Stanford University School of Education and taught high school English in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She has an M.A. in Education from the University of Michigan and a B.A. degree from Luther College.
Michelle Falter: (Grad assistant) Michelle is a doctoral student in the department of Language and Literacy Education. She has worked as an English teacher, curriculum coordinator and department chair for 10 years in Wisconsin, the Dominican Republic, and Germany. She has taught grades six through twelve in a variety of different school organizational systems including public schools, bilingual schools and international schools, and has extensive experience with the International Baccalaureate MYP and DP programs. Michelle received her B.A. in English with Secondary Teaching Certification of Grades 6-12 at St. Norbert College in DePere, WI and her M.A. in Education at Mt. Mary College in Milwaukee, WI.