GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF TEACHER EDUCATORS
FEBRUARY 13TH-14TH
GATE
2025 Annual Conference
February 13-14, 2025
Sea Palms Resort
Charting New Horizons: Navigating 21st Century Learning and Teaching Landscapes
Cover Art Designed by Elizabeth Keohane-Burbridge
Photos in Public Domain
Map 1: Orbis terrae compendiosa
Map 2: Gall-Peters Projection
Annual Conference
President’s Welcome
Dr. Natasha Ramsay-Jordan, University of West Georgia President, Georgia Association of Teacher Educators
Welcome to the 2025 annual conference of the Georgia Association of Teacher Educators! As we gather at the historic St. Simons Island Resort, we do so with an unwavering spirit of determination to advance teacher education and create a more just and equitable world for our children Our conference theme, Charting New Horizons: Navigating 21st Century Learning and Teaching Landscapes, calls us to action. Action to push the boundaries and increase the range of our knowledge, skills, understanding, and experiences.
Guided by five strands that illuminate our path forward in charting new horizons, our sessions shine a light on advancements in instruction, champion physical and mental well-being, and delve into innovations in technology, clinical practice, research methods, and assessment.
The diversity of these topics will enrich our conversations when we socialize during the GATE Hospitality, located in the Dogwood Hospitality Suite, on Thursday afternoon This social gathering will also be a time to learn more about GATE and how you can become a part of an organization dedicated to a brighter future for teacher education in Georgia.
As you peruse the conference program, you will find the names of those who contributed to making our conference a success. Please join me in thanking them for their service!
GATE 2025 Conference Co-Chairs’ Welcome
Dr. Virginie Jackson
Kennesaw State University President-Elect, GATE
Dr. Don Livingston
Lagrange College
Immediate Past President, GATE
On behalf of the GATE Planning Committee, we warmly welcome you to the 2025 GATE Conference here on beautiful St. Simons Island, GA. This year ’ s theme, “Charting New Horizons: Navigating 21st Century Teaching and Learning Landscapes,” reflects our collective journey into the future of education. We are here to explore fresh perspectives, embrace innovation, and forge new paths as we navigate the evolving landscapes of teaching and learning in the 21st century. Together, we are charting a course toward transformative education, where tomorrow truly holds boundless possibilities.
As co-chairs of this important conference, we are honored to be part of a gathering that brings together educators, researchers, and practitioners from across Georgia who have made significant contributions to teacher education This year ’ s program offers a rich variety of sessions, along with inspiring speakers from diverse disciplines, all designed to help us explore and navigate these new horizons. In addition to engaging in thought-provoking discussions, there will be ample opportunities to network, collaborate, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery and local attractions of St. Simons Island.
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Chairs and Committee members who have worked tirelessly to organize this event. We also deeply appreciate the contributions of our guest speakers, session facilitators, and exhibitors, whose insights and expertise are invaluable. Finally, to all of the participants: you are the heart of this conference. Your presentations, ideas, and conversations are what make this event meaningful, and we are excited to embark on this journey together.
Welcome, and we hope you have a productive and enriching experience at the 2025 GATE Conference!
Annual Conference
Recognition of Service on GATE 2025 Conference Committees:
Awards:
Don Livingston, Chair
Tammy Haislip
Catherine Lawrence
Elijah Porter II
Jillian Ogundele
Marrisa Merrell
Conference Keynote Speakers:
Andrea Crenshaw, Chair
Virginie Jackson
Natasha Ramsay-Jordan
Conference Planning and Program:
Natasha Ramsay-Jordan, Co-Chair
Virginie Jackson, Co-Chair
Don Livingston, Lagrange College, Printing
Elizabeth Keohane-Burbridge, Program Design/Layout
Conference Proposals:
Rebecca Bowman, Co-Chair
Virginie Jackson, Co-Chair
Reviewers of Proposals:
Thelma Sexton
Rhonda Amerson
JW Good Don
Livingston Sally
Averitt Miller
Virginie Jackson
Kim Foster
Jametria Floyd
Rebecca Keeter-Lee
Conference Site Selection:
Don Livingston
Forrest Parker
Samantha Mrstik
Ewa McGrail
Brian Hibbs
Corina De Sazio
John Hobe
Sharlonne Smith
Rebecca Bowman
Exhibitors and Sponsors: Hospitality:
Ewa McGrail, Chair
Alicja Rieger
Laura Smith, Chair
Registration:
Janet Strickland, Chair
THANK YOU TO OUR EXHIBITORS
Exhibitor: Skylar Nunley (he/him/his) UniServ Director for Aspiring Educators, Higher Education and Early Career Educators Georgia Association of Educators Cell: 470-356-6661 skylar.nunley@gae.org
Exhibitor: Mike Zarem Outreach Program Manager Communications & Outreach Division Teachers Retirement System of Georgia www.trsga.com mike.zarem@trsga.com (404) 425-6616 Cell (404) 680-8469
Exhibitor: Allison Dupuis Director of Public Programming
Coastal Georgia Historical Society https://www.coastalgeorgiahistory.org/ P.O. Box 21136, St. Simons Island, Georgia, 31522 (912) 634-7082
Exhibitor: Denice Dixon Author of Navigating Education's Uncharted Territories
Explore how innovative education models like microschools are transforming the learning landscape. www.denicedixon.com
Annual Conference
GATE 2024-2025 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
ELECTED OFFICERS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND DELEGATES
ELECTED OFFICERS
President
President-Elect
Immediate Past President
Secretary
Treasurer
ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES
College Representative 1
College Representative 2
Public School Representative 1
Public School Representative 2
Representative at large 1
Representative at large 2
Natasha Ramsay-Jordan
Virginie Jackson
Don Livingston
Forrest Parker
Janet Strickland
Brandon Fox
Rebecca Bowman
Catherine Lawrence
Marissa Merrell
Ewa McGrail
Elizabeth Keohane-Burbridge
ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES/DELEGATES
ATE/PS Rep/Delegate 1
ATE/PS Rep/Delegate 2
ATE/PS Alt Rep/Delegate
ATE/College Rep/Delegate 1
ATE/College Rep/Delegate 2
ATE/College Alt/Delegate
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
Elijah Porter II
Jillian Ogundele
Jerry Sanders
Sharon Livingston
J W Good
Alicja Rieger
University of West Georgia
Kennesaw State University
Lagrange College
Valdosta State University
University of West Georgia
Middle Georgia State
University of West Georgia
Clayton County Schools
Dooley County Schools
Georgia State University
of West Georgia
Fulton County Schools
Black Teacher Collaborative
Dougherty County Schools
Lagrange College
Georgia College and State Valdosta
Barbara Benson Piedmont College (Retired) Appointed 2018
EDITORS AND STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Website
GATEways Journal
Membership
Proposal Chair
Awards Committee
Site Coordinator
Elizabeth Keohane-Burbridge
Forrest Parker II, Editor
Andrea Crenshaw (Chair)
Rebecca Bowman (co-Chair)
Virginie Jackson (co-Chair)
Don Livingston (Chair)
Tammy Haislip
Catherine Lawrence
Elijah Porter II
Jillian Ogundele
Marrisa Merrell
Don Livingston
University of West Georgia
Valdosta State University
University of West Georgia
University of West Georgia
Kennesaw State University
Lagrange College
Middle Georgia State
Clayton County Schools
Fulton County Schools
Black Teacher Collaborative
Dougherty County Schools
Lagrange College
GATE 2025 Conference at a Glance:
“Charting New Horizons: Navigating 21st Century Learning and Teaching Landscapes”
Wednesday, February 12:
Noon - 8:00 pm
Thursday, February 13:
7:30 am - 5:00 pm
8:30 am - 9:20 am
9:30 am - 10:20 am
10:30 am - 11:20 am
11:30 am - 1:20 pm
1:30 pm - 2:20 pm
2:30 pm - 3:20 pm
3:30 pm - 4:20 pm
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Friday, February 14:
7:30 am - 10:00 am
9:00 am - 9:50 am
10:00am-10:50am
11:00 am - 12:00 Noon
Conference Registration----------Foyer
Conference Registration---------- Foyer
Opening General Session----------Musgrove Hall
Welcome: Dr. Natasha Ramsay-Jordan, President of GATE
Keynote Speaker: Mrs Rachel Louismè Rogers
Break-out session 1* (pages 13-14)
Break-out session 2* (pages 15-16)
Awards Luncheon----------Musgrove Hall (pages 17-18)
Break-out session 3* (pages 19-20)
Break-out session 4* (pages 21-23)
Break-out session 5* (pages 24-25)
GATE Members’ Social & Hospitality Dogwood Hospitality Suite
Conference Registration---------- Foyer
Break-out sessions 6* (pages 27-28)
Break-out sessions 7* (pages 29-30)
Closing Session (pages 31-32)
GATE 2024 Annual Conference Evaluation Survey (page 32)
*Break-out Session Rooms: Musgrove Hall, Harrington Hall, Frederica Hall, Mckay Hall, Cypress Hall
Annual Conference
Friday, February 14th, Breakout Session 6
Integrating Care for Older Adults into Teacher Education (Round Table)
9:009:50
Improving Communication and Understanding of Policies and Requirements for Preservice Teachers Decolonizing Teacher Education (Round Table)
Social Studies Lessons: A Self-Study ArtsIntegrated The Story of
Learning Stories: Inspiration on Authentic Assessment from New Zealand Can the Dissertation Survive AI?
Activating Critical Thinking in AP Computer Science: A Transformative Journey in a Non-STEM School
Improving Communication and Understanding of Policies and Requirements for Preservice Teachers (Round Table)
Annual Conference
Thursday, February 13, 2025
8:30 am
Presiding:
OPENING GENERAL SESSION (Musgrove Hall)
Dr. Natasha Ramsay-Jordan, GATE President
Introduction of Speaker: Dr. Virginie Jackson, GATE President-Elect
Keynote Speaker:
Announcements:
Mrs. Rachel Louismè Rogers, Instructional Coach
Dr.DonLivingston,GATEImmediatePastPresident
GENERAL SESSION SPEAKER
Mrs. Rachel Louismè Rogers
Leadership and Certified Professional DISC Trainer
Mrs. Rachel Louismè Rogers, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, is a distinguished leader in educational transformation with nearly three decades of impactful experience as an international keynote speaker, executive consultant, and educator Honored as the Douglas County Teacher of the Year for 2016-2017, Rogers has established herself as an innovative force in the classroom and leadership realms worldwide. With a strong foundation in science education and expertise as an AVID Coordinator and Instructional Specialist in Atlanta, she has consistently excelled in designing and implementing forward-thinking strategies to address the needs of diverse student populations. Her ability to drive educational innovation is complemented by her certification as a Professional DISC Analyst, enabling her to provide organizations ith actionable solutions to enhance team dynamics, communication, and organizational culture. Rogers’ work is fueled by an unwavering commitment to empowerment and inclusivity By creating accessible pathways for success, she serves as a catalyst for positive change, shaping educational systems and inspiring societal progress. Her dynamic leadership and transformative vision make her a pivotal advocate for advancing equity and excellence in education.
GATE 2025
CALLING ALL PRESENTERS!
Are you presenting at this year ’ s GATE Conference? Do you have a presentation idea for next year ’ s conference?
Turn your presentation into a publication!
GATEways to Teacher Education is the peer-reviewed online journal of the Georgia Association of Teacher Educators. It is published twice each academic year, in October and April, with approximately six manuscripts accepted per publication. Your presentation topic could be just what the journal needs!
Each issue is non-thematic, with articles relating to teacher education The editors solicit manuscripts with topics that include teaching and learning, induction, in-service education, and pre-service education Project descriptions, research reports, theoretical papers, debates, papers espousing a particular point of view, and descriptions of activities or issues in teacher education are appropriate topics for the journal; action research papers are encouraged, especially those involving school partners
Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. The length can vary since this journal is online. Manuscripts should follow APA (7th edition) style guidelines.
For more information:
● ● refer to the main journal page on the association webpage, www gaate1 org contact the journal editors
GATE 2025
Frederica Hall
Empowering Multilingual Learners: Asset-Based Literacy Strategies for 21st-Century
Classrooms
Dr. Robert A. Griffin, University of West Georgia
This session explores asset-based literacy practices that empower multilingual learners. Attendees will learn research-backed strategies for leveraging students’ linguistic and cultural strengths, utilizing digital tools, and fostering reading motivation and achievement for diverse learners.
McKay Hall
Tribute to a Teacher Educator from the Civil Rights Era – Coming to Knowingness
Dr. Gertrude Tinker Sachs, Georgia State University
Dr. Gyewon Jang, University of Maryland
In this presentation, we use pivotal samples from our conversations with Dr South to describe our “coming to knowingness” about the place where we live and work in the United States We attribute our knowingness to Dr Era South, teacher educator from the Civil Rights era in the United States.
Cypress Hall
Latinx Students' Transformative Experiences: Critical Reflection and Social Justice in ESOL
Dr Zurisaray Espinosa, Kennesaw State University
This session explores how a culturally relevant, mindful, and social justice-driven unit impacted Latinx students in an ESOL classroom, fostering critical consciousness and holistic understanding through Chicana feminism and nepantlera pedagogy.
Annual Conference
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH
11:30 pm
Presiding:
Awards:
Announcements:
AWARDS LUNCHEON (Musgrove Hall)
Dr. Natasha Ramsay-Jordan, GATE President Dr. Don
Livingston, GATE Immediate Past President
Dr. Virginie Jackson, GATE President-Elect
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Distinguished Dissertation:
Dr. Paul Siegel is a former high school English teacher and currently works as a Consumer Insights Analyst, where he uses mixed methods to analyze consumer behavior and adapt multimodal texts and advertising to enhance brand experiences. His role combines his passions for differentiating texts for diverse audiences and applying human-centered quantitative methods. Paul holds a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from Mercer University’s Tift College of Education and continues to teach as an adjunct in the teacher education program. His research interests include multimodality, memetics, semiotics, and scholastic press, explored in his dissertation and four book chapters from Routledge and Information Age Press He lives in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, with his wife and son
Mentor Teacher:
My name is Victoria Quattlebaum. My husband and I have been married for 21 years and have two teenage boys. I started my teaching career ten years ago in Maryland where I taught third grade. After my family moved to Georgia in 2018, I taught fourth and sixth grades in Houston County. When I left Houston County, I was lucky enough to get a teaching job at Woodfield Academy, which is a nature based school that provides tailored instruction at an individual level. This is my second year at Woodfield Academy, and I currently teach fifth through eighth grades to the most precious students During my time at Woodfield Academy, I have also had the pleasure of being a mentor teacher to teacher candidates I want to share my passion for teaching and provide my knowledge and encouragement to others.
Distinguished Program:
Dewar College of Education and Human Services at Valdosta State University The Teacher Education department houses 15 undergraduate and graduate programs, four minors, and one endorsement, with seven of those programs leading to initial teaching certification in the state of Georgia. Supporting over 1700 students, with most of them enrolled in the various initial teaching programs, the department makes a tremendous impact on schools and educators in the region and state. All this work is possible through the dedicated faculty, staff, and stakeholders who seek to ensure Georgia continues to serve its students at the highest capacity possible. (Pictured: Dr. Deborah Paine, Department Head)
GATE 2025
Dr. Robert A. Griffin is an associate professor and assistant chair in the Department of Early Childhood through Secondary Education and Reading at the University of West Georgia, where he teaches graduate-level courses in Literacy/Reading Education and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Dr. Griffin's primary research interests involve exploring reading motivation and achievement for multilingual learners, striving readers, and atpromise student groups and challenging deficit-oriented paradigms related to the skills and talents of diverse learners In addition to serving as co-editor of the Georgia Journal of Literacy, Dr Griffin serves on editorial review boards for several journals in the fields of literacy education and TESOL. Dr. Griffin has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles on topics ranging from quantitative analyses of reading motivation among adolescent native Spanish speakers to pedagogical pieces on authentic writing instruction and morphological awareness for culturally and linguistically diverse students.
Research Award:
Dr. Diana Mindrila is a Professor of Educational Research at the University of West Georgia. Her teaching experience includes courses in quantitative research methodology, research design, and classroom assessment Her research interests include the development of behavior typologies using multivariate classification procedures Dr Mindrila has also published methodological studies on topics such as cluster analysis, latent class analysis, structural equation modeling, and factor analysis.
Legacy Award: Research Award:
Dr. Gertrude Tinker Sachs is chair of the Department of Middle and Secondary Education in Georgia State University’s College of Education and Human Development She is a professor of English as a Second Language (ESOL), language and literacy
As a critical teacher educator professor, Tinker Sachs’ research focuses on inquiry-oriented local and international teacher professional development through transformative, culturally-responsive literacy pedagogies in English as a first or additional language in low-income communities. She is the author/co-editor of five books, including “Critical Mass in the Teacher Education Academy: Symbiosis and Diversity” (2014), “EFL/ESL Cases: Contexts for Teacher Professional Development” (2007) and “Action Research in English Language Teaching” (2002) Tinker Sachs is the founding editor of the forthcoming international interdisciplinary peer-refereed journal Tradewinds, senior editor of the state journal GATESOL in Action and editor of he Ubiquity –PRAXIS. She is concerned with community building through her partnerships in Atlanta with Refugee Family Services, Rainbow Housing Authority and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Children’s Choir, where she serves as co-director. She is the coordinator of the department’s M.A.T. program in reading, language and literacy –ESOL and the award-winning ESOL endorsement program. Tinker Sachs sees herself as a critical international intercultural teacher educator She has collaborative research projects with colleagues across the United States and in several countries, including the Bahamas, Canada, Hong Kong, Macau and Thailand She is the project leader for several projects, including Fostering the Development of Dialogic Communities of Practice in the Bahamas (from 2009 to present). Tinker Sachs has an interest in activist research and community literacy practices as is evidenced by her recent work in the Atlanta Literacies Project with the People in the Parks. She was elected by faculty and appointed by the dean to serve as department chair, which she began on Jan. 5, 2015. She is the first person of color to serve as chair of a department in the College of Education and Human Development and is the second person of African descent to serve as chair at Georgia State University.
Let’s Get Practical: Asset-Based Pedagogies for
Every Classroom
Dr Natasha Ramsay-Jordan, University of West Georgia
Dr Andrea Crenshaw, University of West Georgia
Dr. Elizabeth Keohane-Burbridge, University of West Georgia
Dr. Rebecca Bowman, University of West Georgia
Asset-based approaches in education celebrate the multifaceted identities of students. It appreciates the cultural wealth they bring to the classroom, recognizing that their diverse backgrounds enrich the learning experience for everyone By honoring the cultures and heritages of students, educators can create supportive environments where students feel valued and respected. Ultimately, participants will better understand how to use and integrate the asset model into their practice to educate students inclusively.
BLAST FROM THE PAST: GATE CONFERENCE 2015
4:30-6:30 pm
GATE 2025
GATE MEMBERS’ SOCIAL & HOSPITALITY
Open to all GATE members and conference participants interested in joining GATE
(Dogwood Hospitality Suite)
GATE 2025
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14
BREAKOUT SESSION 6 am
Musgrove Hall
Integrating Care for Older Adults into Teacher Education
Dr. Ewa McGrail, Georgia State University Dr. Alicja Rieger, Valdosta State University
9:00 - 9:50
In this presentation, we share how we nurture the propensity to care for our older adults among teacher candidates and teachers so that they can pass it onto their students and their communities
Decolonizing Teacher Education
Dr. Yetunde Quadri, Georgia State University
Dr. Gertrude Tinker Sachs, Georgia State University
In this presentation, we propose a comprehensive approach to decolonizing teacher education by focusing on three critical areas: curriculum, pedagogical practices, and teacher preparation By addressing these areas, we aim to dismantle colonial legacies within educational systems and promote a more inclusive and equitable framework for future educators to dispel their anxiety, plan ahead, and think critically about their program and requirements by going back to basics
Improving Communication and Understanding of Policies and Requirements for Preservice Teachers
Mrs Sharon Beck, Middle Georgia State University
Our Field Coordinator and Program Director for the Elementary & Special Education Program are working together to help undergraduate preservice teachers improve their communication skills, dispel their anxiety, plan ahead, and think critically about their program and requirements by going back to basics
Harrington Hall
Arts-Integrated Social Studies Lessons: A Self-Study
Dr. Kathleen W. Zackery, GATE Member/Georgia State University Graduate
This research was a self-study that addressed a teacher-researcher learning about the challenges and benefits of conducting a self-study on arts-integrated social studies lessons on the Civil Rights Movement with a group of fifth-grade gifted students during the time of House Bill 1084.
Annual Conference
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY
14TH
11:00 am CLOSING SESSION (Musgrove Hall)
Presiding:
Closing Remarks:
Dr. Natasha Ramsay-Jordan, President, GATE
Dr. Virginie Jackson, President-Elect
Dr. Natasha Ramsay-Jordan, President, GATE
Closing Session Facilitators
Dr. Natasha Ramsay-Jordan is an Associate Professor of mathematics education in the Department of Early Childhood through Secondary Education at the University of West Georgia, where she currently serves as an Assistant Chair. Dr. Ramsay-Jordan earned her Doctorate from Georgia State University and her Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She has several years of teaching experience in K-12 Mathematics. Dr. Ramsay-Jordan's teaching philosophy centers on love and logic, respect, critical empathy, great determination, and personal integrity. Some of Dr. Ramsay-Jordan's recent publications are in the Journal of Economics, Race, and Policy, Urban Review, International Journal of Science and Mathematics, Multicultural Education, International Journal of Educational Reform, Kappa Delta Pi- The Educational Forum, Teaching for Excellence and Equity in Mathematics, Association of Mathematics Teacher EducatorsConnections, and the Journal of Underrepresented and Minority Progress
Dr. Virginie Jackson is an assistant professor of literacy education in the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education at Kennesaw State University's Bagwell College of Education. In 2023, she was honored with the GATE Distinguished Research in Teacher Education Award, a recognition that reflects her deep commitment to advancing the field. Dr. Jackson also serves on GATE’s executive committee and was recently elected to the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Elementary Section Nominating Committee, where she began her term in September 2024. Her dedication extends to her work with the NCTE Professional Dyads and Culturally Relevant Teaching (PDCRT), where she continues to advocate for culturally responsive teaching practices. Dr. Jackson’s research focuses on early literacy development and equipping preservice teachers to effectively teach culturally and linguistically diverse students She is passionate about creating engaging and dynamic learning environments that honor students' unique backgrounds and experiences.
GATE 2025
Closing Remarks
Dr. Natasha Ramsay-Jordan, University of West Georgia President, GATE
IMPORTANT: GATE 2025 Annual Conference Evaluation Survey
Dear Conference Attendees, The conference organizing committee would like to invite you to take a moment to complete our conference evaluation survey at https://forms.gle/wyLwhE6baguS4NVM7 We appreciate your time completing this evaluation as we use your feedback when planning future conferences and programs.
Thank you for a wonderful conference! We’ll see you next year! (details will be announced at www.gaate1.org)
MAP OF SEA PALMS RESORT
GAZEBO
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