Teacher Education Department Faculty and Staff
Shippensburg University was the first normal school in Pennsylvania dedicated to training Pennsylvania teachers. We hold the distinction of the only public school with a university K-5 elementary school on campus and we also partner with the Bartos Child and Family Center and the Shippensburg Head Start. Our faculty have expertise in cognitive, language, physical, and social-emotional growth and development of young children, elementary children and adolescents, pedagogical practices in content area academic disciplines, educational technology, and many, many more nuances related to teaching and learning.
Dr. Lynn Baynum, Department Chairperson and Associate Professor
Office: SPH 216
Phone: 717-477-1166
Degrees:
- Ph.D. Instructional Leadership in Human Development - Marywood University,
- M.S. Reading Specialist Certification - University of Scranton,
- B.S. East Stroudsburg University, Early Childhood and Elementary Education Certification
Bio & Research Interests:
Dr. Baynum's professional research interests are centered on literacy instruction in early childhood education, with a particular focus on integrating digital composition and digital literacy into a balanced curriculum. She explores emerging themes in children's literature and is involved in constructing multi-leveled eBooks to scaffold readers and writers. Dr. Baynum's work reflects a commitment to enhancing literacy education through innovative approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Ms. Holly Garner, Director GBLUES and Associate Professor
Office: GBLUES
Phone: 717-477-1123
Degrees:
- M.S.Ed. Reading, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA
- BS.Ed. Elementary Education, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA
Bio & Research Interests:
Holly Garner has been an educator for over 30 years. Her experience as a teacher, reading specialist, elementary principal, and a mom of three boys, helped develop her passion for social emotional learning in schools. Currently, Holly serves as the Director of the Grace B. Luhrs Elementary Lab School and an Associate Professor at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania. She has written eight children’s books, including Letters from Leo, More Letters from Leo, STUCK, and the Emotion Ensemble series. In her free time, Holly enjoys playing games with her family, playing pickleball, reading on the beach, and planning parties.
Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life forever. – Amy Poehler
Dr. Christopher Keyes, Associate Professor
Office: SPH 215
Phone: 717-477-1290
Degrees:
- PhD in Language, Literacy and Culture - Vanderbilt University
- Master's degree in Reading - Westminster College
- BA in History and Economics Education, certification in ESL
Bio & Research Interests:
I am interested in the social, cultural, and linguistic opportunities provided by students who are English learners. I focus on Middle Level Education and on social studies as well.
Ms. Liz Knouse, Instructor
Phone: 717-422-6328
Degrees:
- MA Organizational Leadership & Communication, West Virginia University
- BA in Child Development & Family Studies, West Virginia University
- AA Early Childhood Education, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
- Early Childhood Education Certificate, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
Bio & Research Interests:
Liz Knouse currently serves as Grant Director for the Early Childhood Education Professional Development Organization (ECE PDO), a $40 million initiative awarded to Shippensburg University to support Pennsylvania’s early childhood educators through professional development, credentials, and degree attainment. With over 30 years of experience in child development and early learning, Liz is a nationally recognized leader in the field. She has managed large, nationally accredited childcare programs across the country, including extensive leadership within military childcare systems for both the Army and Air Force. Her deep expertise in early childhood workforce development is supported by decades of service as a CDA Instructor, Representative, and Professional Development Specialist, as well as a former NAEYC Validator. Liz has presented nationally her work surrounding teacher education in ECE settings at major conferences including NAEYC, NAFCC, the Department of Defense Child Care Symposium, and the National Child Care Resource & Referral Conference.
“It's not what the world holds for you. It’s what you bring to it.” -- LM Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
Dr. Alison Mellott, Associate Professor
Office: Shippen 203
Phone: 717-477-1648
Degrees:
- Ed.D Liberty University: Curriculum and Instruction
- M.Ed Shippensburg University; Curriculum and Instruction: Early Childhood Education
- B.S Shippensburg University; Elementary Education
Bio & Research Interests:
Alison Mellott is an associate professor in the Teacher Education Department at Shippensburg University and works as a program-wide PBIS facilitator. Her research interests include teacher retention, teacher mental health, limiting suspension and expulsion in early childhood education settings, and integration of social and emotional skill development in classroom settings.
We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It's easy to say, "It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem." Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes. -- Fred Rogers
Dr. Eucabeth Odhiambo, Professor
Office: Shippen 231
Phone: 717-477-1198
Degrees:
- Ed.D. - Curriculum and Instruction - Tennessee State University
- MA.Ed. - Curriculum and Instruction - Tennessee State University
- UG - Secondary Education - University of Eastern Africa- Baraton
Bio: Eucabeth’s expertise is in curriculum and instruction. Her research focuses on classroom instruction, teacher effectiveness, and reflective teaching. She is particularly interested in how teachers can use literature to enrich instruction, promote critical thinking, and foster student engagement. Eucabeth’s work bridges theory and practice, aiming to equip educators with effective strategies that enhance learning and improve instructional quality in classroom settings.
"Literature brings learning to life by uniting mind and heart."
Dr. Don K. Philpot, Associate Professor
Office: Shippen 207
Phone: 717-477-1191
Degrees:
- Ph.D. University of British Columbia
- M.A. University of British Columbia
- B.Ed University of Manitoba
- B.A. University of Manitoba
- Specializations: Language and Literacy Education
Research Interests: Dr. Philpot’s interest areas include Indigenized fictional worlds; Adolescent resilience development; Content area reading and writing; Five Pillars of Reading; Structured Literacy Instruction; Children’s literature; and Functional stylistics.
Mrs. Shannon Raines, Assistant Professor
Office: GBLUES
Phone: 717-477-1367
Degrees:
- M.S.Ed - Educational Development and Strategies, Wilkes University
- BS.Ed Elementary Education, Shippensburg University
Bio & Research Interests:
Professor Raines is an accomplished educator and advocate for developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood education. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Shippensburg University and Master Teacher at the university’s Grace B. Luhr’s Elementary Lab School. In this dual role, she teaches both first-grade students and undergraduate teacher candidates, seamlessly blending academic theory with classroom practice. With more than 20 years of experience in the field, Professor Raines has held a range of roles that span the early childhood education spectrum, including early learning teacher, center administrator, and director of an early intervention program. Her professional journey reflects a deep commitment to supporting children with diverse needs and ensuring that every young learner has access to high-quality, engaging, and inclusive education.
A LETRS-certified educator, Professor Raines brings a strong foundation in the science of reading to her work. Phonics is at the heart of her teaching, and she thoughtfully incorporates systematic, explicit instruction into her daily practice. Her classroom is a literacy-rich environment where students engage deeply with language through playful, hands-on experiences that build essential reading and writing skills. At the core of Professor Raines’s teaching philosophy is the belief that young children learn best through active exploration and meaningful connections. She emphasizes the importance of integrating literacy and numeracy instruction into joyful, developmentally appropriate activities that foster confidence and curiosity. Professor Raines also extends her expertise beyond the traditional classroom. She teaches high school dual-enrollment and workforce development courses, inspiring the next generation of educators and early childhood professionals. Across all her roles, she remains passionate about cultivating collaborative, nurturing spaces that support young and older learners.
“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” — Fred Rogers
Dr. Christine Anne Royce, Professor
Office: Shippen 225
Phone: 717-477-1681
Degrees:
- Ed.D. Curriculum, Instruction, Technology Education - Science Education - Temple University
- MSIDT - Instructional Design and Technology - Corporate Track, Bloomsburg University
- MBA with Concentration in Data Analytics and Marketing, Shippensburg University
- MS School Administration and Supervision, University of Scranton
- MA Curriculum and Instruction, Delaware State University
- BSED Elementary Education, Cabrini College
- BA Arabic Language and Culture, PennWest University
Bio & Research Interests:
Christine Anne Royce, EdD, is a professor at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania in the Teacher Education Department. She teaches a variety of classes at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, focusing on STEM education, instructional design, and digital tools and technologies, among other topics. At Shippensburg, she is currently the co-director of the MAT in STEM Education program. Royce is a past president of the National Science Teaching Association and remains active with that group by writing a column titled Teaching Through Trade Books for Science and Children, and is the co-author for the “From Chalkboards to AI” monthly blog. In addition to her work with NSTA, she is a member of the Board of Trustees for Valley Forge Military Academy & College. Her research interests focus on integrating digital tools and technology into classrooms for sense-making, international education, the inclusion of children’s literature in elementary science classrooms, and STEM integration. She has more than 135 publications and is an international speaker and professional development provider.
"Don't put an age limit on your dreams." - (Dara Torres, Beijing Olympics, 2008)
"Learning never exhausts the mind" ~ Leonardo da Vinci
Dr. Cheryl Ann Slattery, Professor
Office: Shippen 205
Phone: 717-477-1296
Degrees:
- Ed.D – Reading/English Language Arts, Widener University, School of Human Service Professions, Chester, PA
- M.Ed – Reading, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA
- BA – Psychology Minor: Philosophy, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA
Bio & Research Interests:
Dr. Slattery boarded the higher education Ship in 2003. University coursework includes, most notably, reading measures and intervention, multilingual learners, and advanced diagnosis and assessment in literacy. Her research interests include the intersection of teacher preparation programs with state and federal literacy legislation, best practices in the classroom, home-school-community partnerships and family literacy, school readiness, as well as factors such as poverty that directly impact student achievement. During her tenure, she has worked collaboratively with undergraduate pre-service teachers, graduate in-service teachers, local and regional school districts, and the Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary Laboratory School to study best practices in structured literacy instruction and intervention.
"...And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance." Lee Ann Womack (2000)
Ms. Tamara Smith-Moore, Associate Professor
Office: GBLUES
Phone: 717-477-1612
Degrees:
- Master's Curriculum and Instruction, Teaching Certificate Early Childhood Education, Shippensburg University
- BA, Psychology, Shippensburg University
Bio & Research Interests:
Ms. Smith is an Associate Professor of Teacher Education with nearly two decades of experience in early childhood education. Her work centers on play-based and project-based learning, with a particular emphasis on creating developmentally appropriate, engaging, and immersive classroom environments for young children. She teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in curriculum design, leadership, and instructional methods for pre-service teachers, while also serving as a lead faculty member at her university’s model laboratory school.
Ms. Smith has developed and refined a research-based, immersive project-based learning (PBL) framework that has consistently demonstrated positive outcomes in both academic achievement and social-emotional development among kindergarten students. Her expertise lies in bridging theory and practice, supporting educators in implementing meaningful, integrated learning experiences that honor the whole child.
Beyond the university, Ms. Smith works at the state level with the Department of Education to advocate for and support policies that embed play and project-based learning as foundational elements of early childhood education. Her work has positioned her as a leading voice in the movement toward more authentic, child-centered teaching practices across the early grades.
Mr. Wes Welty, Assistant Professor
Office: GBLUES
Phone: 717-477-1628
Degrees:
- M.Ed., Educational Leadership, Shippensburg University
- B.S.Ed., Elementary Education, Shippensburg University
Bio & Research Interests:
Wes Welty is dedicated to creating meaningful educational experiences for elementary to university-age students by embedding music into instruction. Areas of expertise include educational leadership, curriculum development, reading instruction, and classroom management.
“The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.” - B.B. King