Faculty and Staff

Ryan Cain

Biography

Dr. Ryan Cain teaches media and technology integration, data analysis, educative making, elementary science, elementary math, and elementary practicum courses. His research interests include educative making, technology integration, teacher learning, and elementary science teaching.

Degrees

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences PhD, Utah State University
Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) MAT, Queens College, City University of New York
Fine Art Photography BA, University at Buffalo, State University of New York

Melina Alexander

Biography

Dr. Melina Alexander has worked at WSU for 10 years teaching a variety of courses including introduction to education, the exceptional student, and a variety of special education methods courses. She received her Bachelors degree in psychology, anthropology, and special education and Masters in curriculum design and instruction with an emphasis in math from Weber State University. Melina received her PhD in special education with an emphasis in distance education from Utah State University. She has also received a post-doctoral degree in distance education from University of Kentucky. Her primary areas of research interest include instructional methods for students with and without special needs, and teacher preparation.

Degrees

Post-doctoral degree in distance education from University of Kentucky.
Ph.D in special education with an emphasis in distance education from Utah State University.
MA in curriculum design and instruction with an emphasis in math from Weber State University
BS degree in psychology, anthropology, and special education from Weber State University

Katarina Anderson

Biography

Dr. Katarina Anderson (ex Pantic) teaches technology integration in secondary education and PBCT programs, as well as some courses in Ed Tech emphasis of the Master program and ESL endorsement. Her research interests include gamification, technology education, foreign language learning and teacher preparation. She believes in the healing power of hugs!

Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), 2020, Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences, Utah State University
Master of Science (MS), 2012, Intercultural Communication, North Carolina State University
Bachelor of Arts (BA), 2004, English Language and Literature, Belgrade University, Serbia

Vincent Bates

Biography

Vincent Bates teaches arts integration for elementary teachers in the undergraduate program and history and philosophy of education at the graduate level. He began teaching at WSU in 2012 after six years in the music department at Northwest Missouri State University and twelve years as a K-12 music and art teacher in Eureka, Utah. Here at Weber, Vincent chairs the WSU Storytelling Festival and directs the Weber/Snow Collaborative Music Licensure Program. He also serves as production editor and former editor of Action, Criticism, and Theory for Music Education, a peer-reviewed, international, online, open-access professional journal. His research and writing have centered on critical social theories in music education (place/land, socioeconomic class, ecology/sustainability).

Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 2005, Music Education, The University of Arizona
Master of Music (MM) 1996, Performance, Brigham Young University
Bachelor of Music (BM) 1992, Music Education, Brigham Young University

Jenna Berry

Biography

Dr. Berry worked in schools in Alpine School District as a teacher and instructional coach. She teaches elementary literacy and practicum courses. Her interests are in literacy, language learning, and writing.

Degrees

B.A. English Education from Brigham Young University-Idaho
MA Teaching English Learners from Western Governors University
MET Educational Technology from Boise State University
MEd Educational Administration from Brigham Young University
EdD Reading Science from Mount St. Joseph University

David Byrd

Biography

Originally from the great state of Montana, Dr. Byrd has taught German, English and Psychology for ten years in Utah, Texas and Colorado. He worked as a visiting professor at the University of Iowa, where participated in Project Relevance (Reaching English Language Educators via Advanced Networked Collegiate Education). His main research interests include second language writing, culture and identity development. When not teaching or doing research, Dr. Byrd enjoys spending time at home with his wife and daughter or traveling.

Degrees

Ph.D. in Foreign Language and English as a Second Language Education from the University of Iowa
MA in German literature with an emphasis in pedagogy from the University of Arizona
BA in German teaching with a minor in Psychology teaching from Brigham Young University

Andrea Martinez

Biography

I’m Dr. Andrea Garavito Martínez, a first-generation Chicana college graduate and an Assistant Professor of Teacher Education at Weber State University. I’m here to support you on your journey! My academic journey started with a B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and continued with a Ph.D. and M.Ed. from the University of Utah. I’m originally from Northeast Los Angeles and attended elementary school in Jocotepec, Jalisco, Mexico—so I know a thing or two about new beginnings and transitions! Before joining WSU, I was a Community School Facilitator, Family Center Coordinator, and a Latinos in Action teacher in Utah K-12 schools. For eight years, as a graduate student, I worked to help future students like you find their way into teacher licensure programs at the University of Utah. My scholarly work is focused on how teachers and social workers can team up, creating learning environments where everyone feels like they belong, and Chicana/Latina feminism. I’ve published my research and presented at conferences, and in 2023, I was awarded the Presidential Teaching Excellence Award.

Degrees

BA: Chicana/o Studies and Sociology, University of California at Santa Barbara
MA: Education, Culture, & Society, University of Utah
Ph.D.: Education, Culture, & Society, University of Utah

DeeDee Mower

Biography

Dr. DeeDee Mower is loving her time at Weber State University. It is a beautiful campus with outstanding students. The Teacher Education Department is bursting with energy and scholarship. She is excited to be part of a great collaborative department where future teachers are trained well and go out into communities and schools to make a difference in the lives of children and families.

Before coming to Weber State, DeeDee taught third and fourth grades for fifteen years in Jordan School District where for another four years she also was an ESL Teacher Specialist. During her teaching career, she was fortunate to receive a grant to fund a large Oral History Project at our school with four other teachers. It sparked her current passion for history and how to teach young children about past events that shape their contemporary lives. DeeDee found that including oral histories as primary documents was another way she could teach literacy to my students with great success. She has written two articles about this experience that have found their way as chapters in educational texts.

Degrees

BS: Elementary Education, Weber State University
MA: Linguistics, University of Utah
Ph.D.: Education, Culture, & Society, University of Utah

Daniel Pyle

Biography

Dr. Pyle, is an assistant professor in the Department of Teacher Education at Weber State University. Prior to arriving at Weber State University, Dan completed a post doctoral fellowship at San Diego State University. Dan earned his Ph. D at Utah State University in the Special Education and Rehabilitation department. He has worked as a special education inclusion support teacher in secondary schools for 12 years of which he has had the unique opportunity to open a fully inclusive, comprehensive high school in southeast San Diego, CA. His research interests include peer-mediated interventions, multi-tiered systems of supports (MTSS) and evidence-based instructional supports and services to improve academic and behavioral outcomes for secondary students with disabilities accessing general education settings.

Degrees

Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with an emphasis in special education in the Disability Disciplines Program in the Department of Special Education and RehabilitationUtah State University, 2015
Bachelors of Science (B.S.), Exceptional Education/Elementary Education Dual Teaching Credential
Masters of Science (M.S.), Physical EducationAzusa Pacific University, 2004, SUNY College at Buffalo, 1999

Clay Rasmussen

Biography

Dr. Rasmussen has specialization in curriculum and instruction. Prior to higher education he taught middle school science. He conducts research in the areas of student motivation and effective teaching practices.

Degrees

PhD in Education
MED in Educational Technology
BS Agriculture: Agricultural Education

Sheryl Rushton

Biography

Dr. Sheryl J. Rushton is very delighted to be a member of the Teacher Education Faculty. Sheryl has taught mathematics to middle school and college students for 35+ years. She loves math, but more than math, she loves teaching. Sheryl is excited to be teaching pre-service teachers and, hopefully, instilling in them the love of teaching she has. Sheryl received her doctorate degree in Math Education and Leadership from Utah State University in Logan, Utah. Her Master’s Degree (Instructional Technology) and Bachelor’s Degree (Math, Computers, and Statistics) were also in the fields of Education and Curriculum and Instruction.

Sheryl is anxious to be working with the education students as they move forward on their path of furthering their education. She feels educating oneself is the most important thing a person can do to gain an advantage in life!

Degrees

PhD – Curriculum and Instruction: Math Education and Leadership
MEd – Curriculum and Instruction: Instructional Technology
BS – Secondary Education: Mathematics/Computers/Statistics

Stephanie Speicher

Biography

Dr. Stephanie Speicher is an associate professor and the Digital Fluency Faculty in Residence at Weber State University, specializing in digital pedagogy, curriculum design, and the creation of authentic learning communities. With over 30 years of experience in the field of education, she infuses compassion and heartfelt elements into teaching and learning while simultaneously revolutionizing the methods by which individuals and ideas converge across learning environments.

As a champion and practitioner of human-centered learning, Stephanie has presented at international conferences and various colleges and universities worldwide and has collaborated with leading creative technology companies such as Adobe and Course Hero. Recently awarded the Presidential Teaching Excellence Award at her university, Stephanie enables others to share their wisdom and ideas in an environment that thrives on collaborative thought, effort, and action. Beyond her academic role, Stephanie serves as a legislative voice for innovation on the Utah State Charter School Board. Her dedication to revolutionizing teaching and learning extends from her roots as an Outward Bound instructor to teaching the educators of tomorrow, ensuring that all individuals feel interconnected in creative, collaborative spaces.

Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 2017, Curriculum and Instruction, Utah State University
Master of Education (MEd) 2001, Educational Leadership, University of Maine
Bachelor of Science (BS) 1993, Social Sciences/Secondary Education, Towson University

Deborah Vaughn

Biography

Prior to joining the Teacher Education faculty at WSU in the Fall of 2024, Dr. Debbie Vaughn served for over 22 years in K-12 public education experience. All of these years were spent serving students and families in Title I schools, illustrating her belief that every student can and will achieve excellence if given the needed support and opportunities. Her educational experience includes elementary school, middle school math, special education, ESOL/ELL school leader, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal. She is eager to share her experience and knowledge with the next generation of teachers and school leaders here at WSU. Go Wildcats!! .

Degrees

B.S. - Elementary Education, Mercer University
M.S. - Mathematics Education (K-8), University of Georgia
Ed.S. - Curriculum & Instruction (K12), Piedmont University
Ed.D. - Curriculum & Instruction (K12), Liberty University

Natalie Williams

Biography

Natalie Allen Williams began her career at Weber State University in the fall 2005. She currently teaches Human Exceptionality, and oversees the special education practica courses. In conjunction with the Human Exceptionality course, Dr. Williams co-directs the CAPES program here on campus. She has also taught courses in classroom management and special education law. Dr. Williams was the adviser for the Student Council for Exceptional Children for eight years, and served on the University ADA committee for three years. Dr. Williams lives in Layton, Utah with her husband, John, and their daughters Ava and Lucy.

Degrees

Ph.D. (2005), Special Education & Applied Behavior Analysis, The Ohio State University
M.S. (2002), Special Education & Comprehensive Classroom Management, University of Utah
B.S. (1993), Early Childhood Special Education, Severe Disabilities, Utah State University