K-12 professional development for teachers, The Albion Center for Professional Development

Meet the Course Creators!

The Albion Center for Professional Development works with many different course creators nationwide! Did you enjoy a specific professional development course that you took? Learn more about our course creators and find other courses they created in our catalog.

Aaron Jaffey

High School Special Educator

Aaron Jaffey has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Empowering Novice Special Educators

Aaron Jaffey spent the first 15 years of his teaching career in Baltimore County Public Schools as a middle school special educator and social studies teacher. In his time at BCPS, he taught reading, math, and social studies. He held the role as the liaison for the school's student-teaching program and mentored 16 student-interns. Aaron also was the chair of the disciplinary committee where he partnered with the administration to shape the school-wide behavioral management plan. After 15 years in Baltimore County, in order to be closer to home, Aaron transferred to Howard County Public Schools as a high school special educator. In addition to his school-based roles, he served as a graduate school instructor for various courses and worked to create and instruct professional development courses for both Baltimore and Howard Counties. In his free time, Aaron loves spending time with his wife and their three young kids. He coaches multiple youth sports, and his favorite thing to do is go on adventures and plan trips for his family.

Alam Alvarado

Experimental Psychology Faculty

Alam Alvarado has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Introduction to Associative Conditioning and Choice Behavior

Alam Alvarado specializes in teaching Psychology and Research. He received his Bachelor's degree in Psychology at California State University, his Master's degree in Experimental Psychology at Idaho State University, and he is currently completing his PhD in Experimental Psychology at ISU. Alam has worked as a program coordinator, specifically focused on preparing students for graduate school. This includes training in research, analysis, oral and poster presentations for research, and mentoring. In addition, Alam also teaches online and in-person classes at Idaho State University. His priority is the student's success, nurturing their curiosity, and encouraging the application of topics outside of the classroom. His hobbies include reading books, training his pets (e.g., his cat knows how to ring a doorbell), and enjoying time outside with his family.

Dr. Ali Mondt

Assistant Professor

Dr. Ali Mondt has created the following courses for the Albion Center:

Dr. Ali Mondt is an Assistant Professor for the Human Performance and Sport Studies Department at Idaho State University. She has a B.S. in Biology, M.S. in Biology, and Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Science. In 2023, she received the Outstanding Paper Award, North American Society for Sport Management. She feels very blessed to serve at Idaho State University! God is good.

Allie Sever

Marriage and Family Therapist, Former High School Educator

Allie Sever has created the following course for the Albion Center:

What Every Teacher Should Know About ADHD

Allie Sever currently works with individuals, couples, and families as a Marriage and Family Therapist in a private practice in Southern California. Her passion is investing in young people as they are in a critical time of life by helping them cultivate a mind that is intellectually, socially, and emotionally healthy and integrated. Allie especially enjoys working with children, teens, and adults with ADHD and equipping them with skills for thriving in their school, work, relationships, and other life demands - like getting the laundry done! Formerly a teacher for 8 years of students from elementary to college, she has seen (and felt!) the unique challenges that show up in the classroom with learners with ADHD. Allie attended Pepperdine University and earned a BA in Religion, with an elementary teaching credential. She then went on to get her Masters in Counseling Psychology at California Lutheran University. In her free time, Allie enjoys a good walk with a friend, camping with her husband, and finding California's best street tacos.

Dr. Amanda L. Eller

Clinical Associate Professor of Teaching and Educational Studies

Dr. Amanda Eller has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Dr. Amanda Eller is full-time faculty for the College of Education, working out of the Twin Falls campus of Idaho State University. She teaches a myriad of undergraduate and graduate courses in teacher preparation and educational studies. She has taught courses in person, synchronous online, asynchronous online, and hybrid. She has also developed several professional development courses through the Albion Center, including asynchronous standalone courses and for professional education organization conferences. Prior to joining ISU in 2014, she was an elementary teacher for 16 years. She taught 2nd grade for 6 years, 3rd grade for 6 years, 1st grade for 1 year, and was a Title I K-5 Director/Teacher for 3 years. She also taught language and math GED preparation courses and COMPASS seminars for the CSI Adult Basic Education/College & Career Readiness program. In her free time, Dr. Eller enjoys traveling, camping and exploring the mountains on her ATV, reading, board games, and time with extended family.

Andrea Jaffey

Middle School Special Education Teacher

Andrea Jaffey has created the following course for the Albion Center:

The Middle Child: Strategies to Master Teaching the Middle School Student

Over the years, Andrea Jaffey has worked with children with mild/moderate to severe and profound disabilities; autism; learning disabilities; multiple disabilities; other health impairments; physical, hearing, visual, and speech impairments; and emotional and behavioral disorders in grades Pre-K through 12. Her experiences over the past 14 years at various schools and districts in Maryland and Delaware have exposed her to a variety of classrooms, schools, and settings for students with disabilities. Andrea was fortunate to learn and collaborate with teachers, speech and language pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, behavior specialists, nurses, psychologists, and many other professionals in the educational system. Andrea has received her Masters of Education in Exceptional Children and Youth, Severe Disabilities/Autism, and her B.A. in English from the University of Delaware. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, her step-daughter, their two sons, and their dog.

Angie Godfrey

Director of the Idaho Regional Math Center

Angie Godfrey has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Mastering Basics Facts (Math)

Angie Godfrey was a classroom teacher for 12 years. In that time, she taught mostly Grade 6 elementary, but did teach first and fifth as well. She was also her district's elementary curriculum director. She has her Master's of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Walden University. Since 2014 she has been a Regional Math Specialist for Eastern Idaho. She works with teachers and schools to support implementation of best math practices and raise student achievement. In 2017, she became the Director of the Idaho Regional Math Center. In this capacity, she supports the development of other math specialists and teacher leaders. In addition to her passion for math education, she loves to read, cruise, and cross stitch!

Aubrey Eldredge

5th Grade Teacher

Aubrey Eldredge has created the following courses for the Albion Center:

Aubrey Eldredge absolutely loves teaching! She has been teaching in the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District in Idaho since 2011. During her years as an elementary educator, she has spent seven years assisting with the development of instruction for her school district. Along with this, she served as a technology coach for four years, where she utilized her strong knowledge of technology and technology enhanced lessons to assist others. Her major achievements as a teacher include being a top 10 finalist for the Simplot Teacher of the Year in 2017, and recognition for 2023 Influential Teacher. When she is not in the classroom, Aubrey loves running! She has competed in numerous races, but her favorite are half marathons! She loves spending time outdoors with her husband and two kids. They enjoy spending time camping, hiking, golfing, and skiing.

Beth Runciman

High School Math Educator

Beth Runciman has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Creating Inclusive Math Classrooms in Rural Settings: Strategies for Belonging and Engagement

Beth Runciman earned a MS in Math Education from Oregon State University in 2013. She has been teaching in middle and high school classrooms since then, and teaching fully online since 2019. Beth's passion is to help students who hate math discover that it can actually be useful and satisfying. She is committed to nurturing the potential for high achievement in all of her students, and particularly those from historically excluded communities. Learning how to stay in the teaching profession and thrive through difficult professional circumstances is her greatest accomplishment. Beth is also proud of how she incorporates social emotional learning into her teaching. In her personal life, Beth is married, has two children, and enjoys running, knitting, and reading. She lives with a golden retriever named Sam and a bull python snake named Nugget.

Dr. Caroline Faure

Professor and Department Chair

Dr. Caroline Faure has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Dr. Caroline Faure, EdD; ATC is a Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Human Performance and Sport Studies at Idaho State University. Dr. Faure completed both her Masters degree (Athletic Administration) and Doctoral degree (Educational Leadership with cognates in Athletic Administration and Professional Technical Education) from Idaho State University. Prior to coming to Idaho State University in a faculty role in 2005, Dr. Faure worked as a high school teacher and athletic trainer. As a professor, she has focused her research efforts on sport safety, especially as it relates to concussion management practices in school-sponsored sport programs. When asked about her hobbies, Dr. Faure sums it up with four words, "Swimmer. Triathlete. Dog Mom.".

Dr. Celal Perihan

Associate Professor

Dr. Celal Perihan has created the following courses for the Albion Center:

Dr. Celal Perihan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Teaching and Educational Studies at Idaho State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with special education specialization from Texas A&M University and joined the faculty at Idaho State University in 2018. His research, teaching, and service focus on students with or at risk for emotional/behavioral disorders (EBD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Specifically, he investigates school-based evidence-based practices for internalizing behavior problems.

Dr. Charles Igel

Educational Content Developer

Dr. Charles Igel has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Effective Cooperative Learning

For the past 12 years, Dr. Charles Igel was the Director of Elementary Teacher Licensure and Associate Professor of Education and Research at Regis University's Department of Education. There, he focused on preparing teachers in the use of evidence-based practice with an emphasis on student-centered learning. Dr. Igel began his career in education as a licensed public school teacher in both Virginia and Colorado. Before entering the education field, he served as a non-commissioned officer in the US Army Reserves with the 11th Special Forces Group. He was fortunate to work for five years as a Senior Researcher for the Institute of Education Sciences Mid-continent Regional Laboratory (REL-Central). During his time there, Dr. Igel served as the lead methodologist for the landmark McREL publication, Classroom Instruction that Works 2nd Ed. Along with that, he also served as educational consultant to the islands of Guam, Marshall Islands, and Saipan, providing technical assistance to their education departments. In addition to his academic work, Dr. Igel is a voiceover actor who specializes in training and educational content such as eLearning, narration, and audiobooks.

Christina Franklin, LPC, NCC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Christina Franklin has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Christina Franklin is a Licensed Professional Counselor who graduated from Lander University in 2018 with her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Western Carolina University in 2020 with her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Christina has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She is passionate about working with individuals who have experienced interpersonal trauma, specifically intimate partner violence and sexual abuse. Christina is also an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and enjoys working with individuals who are experiencing concerns or are interested in exploring their gender identity and/or sexuality. Christina also teaches psychology courses at Lander University.

Dr. Dani M Moffit

Professor; Program Director of Master of Science in Athletic Training

Dr. Dani Moffit has created* the following courses for the Albion Center:
*Created in partnership with Dr. Elaine Foster and Dr. Karla Judge

Dr. Dani M Moffit is the Program Director of the Master of Science in Athletic Training program at Idaho State University. Before returning to Idaho, she was the Program Director of the Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training program at Temple University. Prior to teaching at the post-secondary level, she taught and was an athletic trainer for the Meridian School District in Meridian, Idaho for 10 years. Her current research passions range from sexual harassment perceptions in athletic training to cultural education in health professions. She volunteers her time with the profession, including working with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, the Board of Certification, and the Pocatello Free Clinic. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, trail running, crocheting, and reading.

Dawn Fitzpatrick

Studio Music Instructor

Dawn Fitzpatrick has created* the following courses for the Albion Center:
*Created in partnership with John Fitzpatrick

As a lifelong musician with a BA in classical voice, Dawn has taught music and used music in the classroom from pre-kindergarten through higher education. With a MS in Human Resource Development, her emphasis was on adult learning, performance improvement, and change management. Sharing her knowledge and experience, and paying it forward to students either in the classroom or through private lessons, is Dawn's greatest joy and achievement. For Dawn, life is an adventure. She enjoys paddle boarding, kayaking, rollerblading, cross-country skiing, and playing with her family band.

Ed3 DAO

Ed3 DAO has created the following courses in partnership with the Albion Center:

Ed3 DAO is a global launchpad to help educators catalyze innovation in education. We are a community of educators and all of the courses authored by our organization come from a variety of educators around the world. It was founded by Vriti Saraf & Mike Peck, veteran educators and administrators. Ed3 DAO has hosted over 65 free events in 2022, a global unconference for web3 & education, and will be launching 12 courses with ISU this year! Our headquarters are in New York but we live in our own Metaverse called Ed3verse!

For more information visit: ed3dao.com

Dr. Edmond B. Walsh

Secondary Art and Science Teacher

Dr. Edmond Walsh has created the following courses for the Albion Center:

Dr. Edmond Walsh is inspired to create learning opportunities for students that promote agency and inquiry in secondary art and science. His curiosity for learning contexts has provided him with opportunities to teach in many grades across K-12 in rural schools, urban schools, traditional public schools, and charter schools. Dr. Walsh has had the fortune of also serving as clinical faculty at Idaho State University and as the Region 6 Science Instructional Coach for the Idaho Department of Education. He leads students in several extracurricular activities, including speech, debate, art club, and e-sports. Dr. Walsh has completed his Ph.D. in Education at the University of Idaho, where he composed a dissertation research examining high school student participation in e-sports. In his free time, Dr. Walsh enjoys gardening, painting, and camping.

Dr. Elaine Foster

Assistant Professor

Dr. Elaine Foster has created* the following courses for the Albion Center:
*Created in partnership with Dr. Karla Judge and Dr. Dani Moffit

Dr. Elaine Foster completed her undergraduate degree at ISU in physical education (exercise science emphasis and coaching minor) in 2008, and then earned her master’s degree in physical education-athletic administration in 2010. As a child, she spent as much time as possible engaged in physical activity outside riding her bike, swimming, camping, fishing or frog hunting. Since she cherished physical activity, it was intuitive for her to seek a career that encouraged physical movement. Throughout her career, she has been a coach, personal trainer, activity instructor, and university teacher. She has taught courses within a variety of subjects to sport management, exercise science, outdoor education, and physical education students. In 2022, she received her doctorate degree in Philosophy in Education, emphasis in Sport Pedagogy and Character Development. The focus of her dissertation was the subjective value of physical activity in our lives. In her free time, Dr. Foster competes in many athletic events including triathlons, Spartan races, and running events. She also enjoys participating in basketball, volleyball and softball leagues and tournaments.

Emily O'Keefe

Middle School Art Teacher

Emily O'Keefe has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Media Arts

Emily O'Keefe has been a middle school art teacher and instructional coach in Minnesota for 17 years. She has earned her Bachelor's of Education and Studio Art from St. Olaf College, and a Master of Art Education from the University of Minnesota. In collaboration with art teachers in her district, Emily developed a comprehensive Media Arts program that has become a popular option for her 7th and 8th grade students. Emily has always enjoyed the integration of art and technology, and she wrote her master's thesis on the role of technology in art education as meaningful student engagement and as a 21st century art medium. Through her role as a district instructional coach, she gained an impactful perspective on the ways technology is shaping the K-12 student in both positive and negative ways post-Covid. Through all of this, Emily developed a passion for thoughtful pedagogy using technology when it is meaningful, while making sure students have access to hands-on activities to promote balanced education.

Emily Smith

Developmental Kindergarten Teacher

Emily Smith has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Emily Smith is currently a developmental kindergarten teacher who loves kids, teaching them, and learning herself. She has previously taught first grade for 16 years and knows the importance of a strong phonics foundation. Emily enjoys teaching literacy, reading aloud to her class and building relationships. Teaching for 16 years and still loving it is her major achievement! She continues to find joy, positiveness, and challenges exciting, and she loves coming to work. Emily and her husband have 2 young boys who keep them busy. They love sports, being outside, and traveling. When not at school, she enjoys reading, shopping and enjoying friends and family.

Dr. Emma Wood

Assistant Dean, College of Education

Dr. Emma Wood has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Danielson's Framework for Teaching: Administrators or Teachers

Dr. Emma Wood has been Danielson trained since 2013 and has spent considerable time discussing evaluation practices with College of Education colleagues. She has a BA in Deaf Studies, a MA in Special Education, and a PhD in Instructional Design. As an instructional designer, she has combined her understanding of the Danielson Framework for Teaching Framework with her skills in online course development to create a robust re-certification course for Idaho administrators.

Georgia Boatman

Retired Regional Science Coordinator

Georgia Boatman has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Elementary Integrated STEM Education: Optimizing Educational Experiences

Georgia Boatman taught in Mountain Home, Idaho for 17 years, in Kennewick, Washington for 15 years, and served as the Regional Science Coordinator for Southeastern WA for 11 years at Educational Service District 123. She has taught every grade in K-6 except kindergarten and fourth grade. As an elementary teacher, she was one of 5 elementary teachers in SE WA to participate in the Department of Energy Academy for Creating Teachers of Science, working with scientists and other teachers to develop curriculum for elementary students in geology and plant growth and development. Georgia also served as a professional development facilitator for the Smithsonian's Science and Technology for Children curriculum and on the development team for the Washington State Science Assessment. She has been married for 47 years to Dennis, who has also been an educator for 43 years. Georgia has three sons: two of them teachers, and one in the Bureau of Land Management. She enjoys spending time with her family, including her seven grandchildren.

Haley Mahler

GATE Teacher

Haley Mahler has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Gifted and Talented Students

Haley Mahler is a Boise native and has been teaching in a full time gifted classroom for the last ten years! She received her Gifted and Talented endorsement through the State of Idaho and helps to manage GATE referrals and testing for the program she works in. Haley has received her Bachelors in Elementary Education and her Masters of Arts in Teaching from Southern Oregon University. In her free time, Haley enjoys many hobbies, including spending time outdoors, baking, cooking, and reading.

Hannah Butcher

Art Educator and Department Chair

Hannah Butcher has created the following course for the Albion Center:

How to Incorporate Art in STEAM/STEM

Hannah Butcher has been teaching art since 2012. She has a Masters in Art Education and has taught grades K-12. She has written and developed curriculum for 9-12 grade art students. She has also developed and taught curriculum for Maker Space camps in the Baltimore region. Hannah has a passion for creating curriculum that is approachable, engaging, and rigorous. In her educational background, she has obtained a BS in Art Education and a M. Ed in Art Education. She believes that everyone is an artist!

Heather Palumbo

K-12 English Acquisition Specialist (Mathematics Focus)

Heather Palumbo has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Supporting Multilingual Learners in Mathematics

Heather Palumbo holds a master's degree both in Educational Leadership and Linguistically Diverse Education. She is currently working as a high school English Language Acquisition Specialist in Colorado where she focuses on supporting multilingual learners in various mathematics courses. Within her 23 years in education, Heather has been a K-5 classroom teacher, K-8 math coach, K-12 Language Specialist, District Elementary Mathematics Coordinator, Adjunct Professor for Northern Arizona University, and Mathematics Education Consultant. Heather passionately works to ensure every child has access to a rigorous, high-quality mathematics education regardless of their race, culture, language, or socioeconomic status. When she is not immersed in her work as an educator, Heather enjoys exercising, reading, and spending time with her husband and two boys.

Dr. John Fitzpatrick

Retired Associate Professor and Department Chair

John Fitzpatrick has created* the following course for the Albion Center:
*Created in partnership with Dawn Fitzpatrick

Using Movement and Music to Enhance Learning in the K- 12 Classroom

With a Ph.D. sport psychology and an emphasis on motor learning and development, Dr. John Fitzpatrick has taught in higher education for over thirty years. Using his experience as an elementary classroom and physical education teacher, he has seen the power of using movement inside and outside of the classroom. As a college professor, it has been his pleasure to work with students and athletes. Seeing what they have accomplished in the classroom, on the playing field, and in their careers, gives Dr. Fitzpatrick joy. His major achievement is through those students. Dr. Fitzpatrick loves being outdoors, especially the water. Swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking keeps him close to the water. He also enjoys hiking in the warm weather, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Playing ukulele in his family band keeps him on his toes (and fingers).

Jacob Hubers

Instructor/Adjunct

Jacob Hubers has created the following courses for the Albion Center:

Jacob Hubers is a graduate student at ISU finishing his doctoral degree in Experimental Psychology. He currently teaches in the Organizational Learning and Performance department as an Instructor/Adjunct. Jacob has several certifications in behavioral research and research ethics, and he also has experience teaching statistics or research-based courses. Currently, he is a reviewer for the Graduate Student Journal of Psychology, in addition to serving on several committees at ISU.

Justine Cook

5th Grade Teacher

Justine Cook has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Justine Cook is an Idaho State University Alumni. She has a master's degree in English with an endorsement in Gothic Studies. 2023 marks her 13th year of teaching! During this time she has taught in Idaho, California, and Oregon. Throughout her career she has taught both elementary and high school students. While she is not teaching she is keeping busy with her two little girls. Together they love traveling, and exploring new places.

Dr. Karla Judge

Coordinator of Clinical Education; Masters of Athletic Training

Dr. Karla Judge has created* the following courses for the Albion Center:
*Created in partnership with Dr. Elaine Foster and Dr. Dani Moffit.

Dr. Karla Judge has been a Certified Athletic Trainer since 1985 and has worked in high school, clinic, small college and Division I college settings. In her career, she has taught many courses from introductory first aid to advanced injury assessment and rehabilitation. Not only has Dr. Judge practiced in the United States, she has an extensive international resume. She spent a year on a professional exchange, working with professional athletes in China (Men's Table Tennis). Along with this, she practiced internationally in Mexico, Ireland, France, Belgium, Switzerland, China, and Canada. Currently, she primarily teaches and supervises a small free clinic on the Idaho State University campus for students in the Athletic Training program to work with the ISU active population. Dr. Judge is a sports fanatic, a proud dog mom, and enjoys hiking & biking. She has a goal to visit all 50 states and has already been to 43 states so far!

Dr. Kelli Rich

5th Grade Classroom Teacher

Dr. Kelli Rich has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Dr. Kelli Rich has dedicated over twenty years of her professional life to the commitment of excellence to educating 21st century teachers and their students. She is the current President of Idaho Council for Teachers of Mathematics (2024). She has presented mathematics education topics to a dozen or more groups, including, Idaho Association of Bilingual Educators Conference, Idaho teachers attending the annual STEM Super Conference, and the Idaho Literacy Summit. She takes pride in empowering people to uncover their potential through recognition of strengths and opportunities for growth. Dr. Rich and her husband, Cody, joyfully claim Nampa, Idaho as their home. They proudly cheer on their hometown Nampa High Bulldogs. The Rich’s have three children—a vibrant daughter who loves to cheer and play volleyball, a son enjoying his college baseball career, and their oldest son proudly serves our country in the U.S. Navy.

Kristina Horton

High School Social Studies Teacher

Kristina Horton has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Civics Education Today

Kristina Horton has been a teacher for over 20 years in Salem, Oregon, after completing her teacher licensure in San Diego, California. Throughout her entire career, she has taught Social Studies in many different grade levels both in middle school and high school. Much of her career was spent teaching 8th grade U.S. History and Government, which inspired her to create professional development courses about this subject. Kristina holds a bachelor's degree in history from Point Loma Nazarene University, and a Master of Education: Curriculum and Instruction degree from Corban University. In her free time, Kristina enjoys spending time with her family, even though her youngest is off to college. She also loves to travel.

Krystal Tanzer

Course Developer

Krystal Tanzer has created the following courses for the Albion Center:

Krystal Tanzer is an alumna of the University of Phoenix, where she successfully achieved a Master of Science in Psychology. Prior to this, she received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration with a concentration in Human Services. She thoroughly enjoys learning and is always eager to gain new experiences and skills. Juvenile psychology is one area that Krystal is very passionate about; she enjoys using her knowledge of psychology to guide educators in assisting students with their mental health. She is a proud mom and wife who loves adventuring throughout all seasons with her family.

Mandi Tompkins

Administrator

Mandi Tompkins has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Building Meaningful Small Groups

Mandi Tompkins' educational journey began as an elementary school teacher where she valued meeting each of her students where they were at. This is when she began exploring differentiated learning environments. After this, she transitioned her role as a classroom teacher to a district instructional specialist where she supported fellow educators with math instruction in the classroom. Mandi is currently serving as an elementary vice-principal and continues her work with educators and students to meet them where they are at in their learning journey.

Matthew Baker

High School Social Studies Teacher & Coach

Matthew Baker has created the following course for the Albion Center:

History and Philosophy of Education

As a secondary teacher and coach for more than 10 years, Matthew Baker has found that his passion for being an effective educator has grown every year. He is a third generation educator with multiple family members in the field of education. This has inspired him to educate future generations, and prepare students as lifelong learners. He has completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees with certification in K-12 administration. Effective programming in academics, leadership, engagement, culture, discipline, safety, and career readiness with internship are some of the many aspects of education that he has overseen and implemented in his classroom and school. In his free time, Matthew enjoys coaching, volunteering, supporting community events, traveling. Outside of education, he is passionate about his faith and spending time with his family.

Megan Snader

Middle School Teacher

Megan Snader has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Designing and Implementing Effective Project-Based Learning in K-12 Classrooms

Megan Snader has been teaching for 15 years (wow how time flies!). She started as an elementary teacher at an international school in Lima, Peru and especially loved having such a diverse group of students from around the world pass through her class. She currently teaches to middle school students at a local private Christian school which fully embraces training and implementing Project Based Learning (PBL). Her current school trained and supported implementing PBL into her classroom, and for the last 5 years she has been honing in her skill set as PBL teacher, and supporting her co-workers in their PBL endeavors. When Megan is not in the classroom she enjoys D1 soccer, running half-marathons, conquering mountains (Mt. Pearkes in BC was her highlight!) She loves her family and is a proud wife, auntie x4, sister, and daughter!

Michele Gorman

Middle School Interventionist - ELA and Social Studies

Michele Gorman has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Forming Positive Relationships with Parents, Students, and Communities

Michele Gorman has been an educator since 2010. She has taught ELA, math, science, and social studies. Currently, she is an ELA interventionist for 6-8th grade. She earned a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Humanities. In her free time, Michele is a runner and cross country coach and plans on finishing five half marathons in the coming year! She is an avid reader and a writer, and she even wrote a novel last year!

Dr. Michael Konrad

Instructor of Psychology at the College of Southern Idaho

Dr. Michael Konrad has created the following courses for the Albion Center:

Dr. Michael Konrad spent 12 years as a high school social studies teacher and has been teaching in higher education since 2021. As a high school teacher, Dr. Konrad taught US History, World History, and his favorite, Psychology. He also has coached golf, basketball, and football. Conversely, he earned his doctorate degree in performance psychology (a broader field of sport psychology). He is fascinated with psychological skills and how the way in which we think affects the way in which we behave. Further, the athletes who use psychological skills to go from good to great, and then great to elite, drive his interests as an educator and researcher. On a personal note, Dr. Konrad loves the great outdoors, Southern Idaho, and fixing up old muscle cars! So, any chance he gets to explore the great Idaho outdoors via hunting, fishing, golfing, or camping, he usually takes it. He and his wife have been married for 13 years and share two children that can usually be found tagging along with whatever their dad is doing!

Nathan Lammers

STEM Teacher

Nathan Lammers has created the following courses for the Albion Center:

STEM: Elementary Engineering Design

Nathan has been the STEM teacher at state STEM-certified JR Simplot Elementary in American Falls, Idaho for 5 years. He has also taught STEM and Makerspace classes at William Thomas Middle School for 2 years. At both schools, engineering is the focus of instruction. He has attended iSTEM summer institutes and collaborated on the team to develop the 3-5 grade iSTEM Computer Science learning strand. Nathan has received the award of Educator of the Year 2023 for Idaho Education Technology Association, as well as the ISU College of Education Young Alumni Impact Award 2023. In his free time, Nathan likes learning and doing anything creative. He also enjoys woodworking, electronics, and 3D printing!

Neucasha Greene

School Counselor

Neucasha Greene has created the following courses for the Albion Center:

Future Ready: Educating for Career Exploration and Success

Hailing from The Bahamas, Neucasha Greene is a dedicated and results-driven counselor with a strong passion for guiding students towards achieving their academic and personal goals. Her extensive experience in the educational sector, particularly in middle and high school settings, both in the United States and abroad, has equipped her with the skills necessary to design and implement comprehensive curricula tailored to students' needs. Neucasha specializes in academic advising, counseling, and collaborative team efforts, focusing on career exploration and social-emotional development. In addition, she is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) as well as licensed Professional School Counselor with a special service provider endorsement in Colorado. She has designed and implemented innovative curricula for middle and high school elective courses in college preparations, career exploration, and social-emotional learning. When not in school, Neucasha enjoys reading, scrapbooking and traveling.

Nichole Neill-Garza

Elementary School Principal

Nichole Neill-Garza has created the following courses for the Albion Center:

Nichole Neill-Garza is completing her 16th year in Education. Her first 8 years in education were spent in a fourth grade classroom and teaching intervention. The past eight years she has been a principal in an elementary school in Pocatello, Idaho. All of her educational experience has been in schools with low socioeconomic status. In addition to a plethora of first hand behavior experiences, she has also had the opportunity to sit for numerous years as a member of our District Intervention Team. This team's purpose is to provide instructional and behavioral strategies to teachers and/or administrators who are dealing with unmanageable behaviors in their classroom/schools. In addition to her passion for education, Nichole loves spending time with her family and traveling to watch her children in sports.

Dr. Randy Simonson

Distinguished Professor of Psychology

Dr. Randy Simonson has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Navigating the World of Grading

Dr. Randy Simonson has taught post-secondary psychology for over 25 years, his students have ranged from 16- to 80-year-olds in PSYC 101 to upper division psychology and criminal justice, and even graduate level measurement courses. His schooling is in Psychology, but he says that he is certainly an educator first. Dr. Simonson has 3 degrees in Psychology: a BS from BYU, an MS from WWU, and a PhD from NNU. His degrees are his personal achievements, but a more appreciable opus are his students who complete their advanced degrees and reach back to let him know. One day, he will finish writing a few books, but for now, his academic posterity will be his major professional achievement. Dr. Simsonson was born and raised in Seattle and found Twin Falls, Idaho, his true home. He is quite happily married for 36+ years, the father of 4 and grandfather of 9 going on 11! He is a die hard Utah Jazz and Disneyland fan, and an avid Tolkien enthusiast!

Dr. Raphael Chijioke Njoku

African History and Global Studies Professor

Dr. Raphael Chijioke Njoku has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Culture Perspective and Sensitivity in the Classroom

Dr. Raphael Chijioke Njoku, African history and Global Studies Professor at Idaho State University, received a doctorate in African History from Dalhousie University, Canada, in 2003 and a doctorate in Political Science from Vrije University, Belgium, in 2001. Prior to this he received his Bachelor's degree, a double major in History and Education, and a Master's degree in European Politics, Cultures, and Societies. He teaches a variety of multidisciplinary courses, including cultural diversity courses. His research specialty is African history, especially decolonization, African diaspora studies, African politics, and globalization studies. He is the author of West African Masking Traditions and African Diaspora Masquerade Carnivals: History, Memory, and Transnationalism (Rochester University Press, 2020) and United States and Africa Relations: 1400s to Present (Yale University Press, 2020). Dr. Njoku has published 12 books and 45 articles in academic journals and edited volumes. In his free time, Dr. Njoku enjoys playing both soccer and basketball.

Shannon Ament

Community School Facilitator, Adjunct Faculty Notre Dame of Maryland University

Shannon Ament has created the following courses for the Albion Center:

Shannon Ament was an elementary educator teaching both second and third grades for 19 years at a Title One school in Baltimore County. She has been a Community School Facilitator at the same Title One Baltimore County Community school for two years. In those two years, she has found her passion for the Community Schools strategy to help schools achieve equity in under-served, high poverty areas where race has often played a major role in the disparities of the community. With her Community Schools work, Shannon has established a monthly food bank, thrift store, and resource fair that has grown from serving 12 families to over 300 families a month. In her free time, Shannon is heavily involved with Church of the Harbor Essex and Scouts of America. For hobbies, she rescues chihuahuas and has three, is a Disney adult, and enters/wins sweepstakes often.

Shannon Marx

Grant Administrator

Shannon Marx has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Shannon Marx has always had a love for design and creating graphics, which led her to opening her own graphic design company in 2017. While pursuing and finishing her master's degree, Shannon accepted a job as the Executive Director for a small nonprofit focused on education in Southeast Idaho; it was here that she learned grant writing. She has used this important skill to work with city government's, first responder's, health care administrations, and private businesses to pursue funding for various ventures. Shannon has a Bachelor's degree in Virtual Technology & Design and Masters degree in Instructional Design & Technology. Shannon's greatest achievement was receiving her master's degree in Instructional Design & Technology with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Shantel Delonas

Principal for Pocatello-Chubbuck School District

Shantel Delonas has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Building Resilient Learners

As a teacher, Shantel Delonas served in many different roles, including a cooperating teacher for student teachers and as a building technology coach to support the use of technology in instruction for others. During her six years as a teacher, she assisted with the development of curriculum instructional units for the school district. As a school principal, Shantel has had the opportunity to mentor new administrator students and new administrators to the school district. She has also assisted in the instructional curriculum development process, supporting teachers along the way. Shantel has received a bachelor's degree in elementary education with an emphasis in history, a master's degree in P-12 Educational Leadership, and an Education Specialist Certificate. In her free time, Shantel enjoys camping, traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.

Sierra Baca-Zeff

Instructor/Adjunct

Sierra Baca-Zeff has created the following courses for the Albion Center:

Sierra Baca-Zeff currently teaches in the College of Arts and Letters at Idaho State as an Instructor/Adjunct and is a doctoral student in the Experimental Psychology program at Idaho State University. Her research interests lie in behavioral economics, with a focus on food and drug decision-making. Throughout her academic career, Sierra has been passionate about outreach and sharing her love of psychology through teaching STEM-based after school programs and working with annual science fairs to get children excited about research! When she is not teaching, she enjoys rock climbing, paddle boarding, and skiing, with her son.

Dr. Shu-Yuan Lin

Clinical Professor / Instructional Materials Center Coordinator

Dr. Shu-Yuan Lin has created the following course for the Albion Center:

English Language Learners

Dr. Shu-Yuan Lin received her Doctorate in Educational Leadership (with a focus on instructional technology) from Idaho State University. She also earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Second Language Education from the University of Houston. Her Bachelor’s degree is in Foreign Languages and Literature from National Chunghsing University, Taiwan. Dr. Lin is currently a Clinical Professor in the College of Education at Idaho State University. She has several years of teaching experience as an English teacher in Taiwan. Since 2007, She has been teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, such as ESL Foundations and Methods, Education Equity and Ethics, Elementary and Secondary Methods, etc. Her research interests and special projects focus on concept mapping, English as a second/foreign language instruction, family engagement, technology integration in K-16 instruction, standards-based teacher assessments, accessibility in instructional materials and learning activities for multilingual learners, and equity and ethics in K-12 education.

Spencer Christensen

CTE Administrator/Application Specialist

Spencer Christensen has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Spencer Christensen was a high school teacher for 7 years, where he taught both Digital Communications and business technology programs such as Microsoft and Adobe. His work in the Create Idaho program led him to become an Adobe Education Leader, which is a group of 400 educators worldwide who use Adobe tools to promote excellence, critical problem solving, and creativity in the classroom. Along with this, Spencer has spent two years working full-time as a lecturer for Idaho State University preparing future career technical education teachers. His main goal as an educator is to help others get the right experience they need for their own personal and professional growth. He enjoys outdoor activities and traveling with his wife of ten years and his two children.

Valenciá De’La Clay-Bell

Educator

Valenciá De’La Clay-Bell has created the following course for the Albion Center:

Valenciá De’La Clay-Bell is a professor and curator of cognitive healing experiences for adult learners. She has designed critical curriculum for preservice college programs and middle school literacy courses. Her proudest achievement, as an educator of 15 years, is working with the support of her digital community via social media, and carrying out multiple international art explorations for young learners, artists, and educators. This has led to opportunities such as being invited to be a National Geographic Fellow and a certified National Geographic Educator. In her free time, she is currently embarking on a yoga teacher certification journey to include somatic healing into her educational practice.

Dr. William Lane

Assistant Professor and Program Lead

Dr. William Lane has created the following courses for the Albion Center:

Dr. William Lane is an Assistant Professor and Program Lead of the Counseling Program at Western New Mexico University. He holds professional counseling licenses in both Idaho and New Mexico as well as professional school counseling credentials in Idaho. Dr. Lane loves helping counselors-in-training expand their personal paradigms to be more inclusive of diverse populations and helping them learn and practice basic counseling skills in order to build therapeutic alliances with clients. Dr. Lane has recently self-published a children's book titled "Mindfulness with Molly," which introduces and educates parents and children about the practices of mindfulness. He is also the developer of the Shame Resilience Discrimination Model of supervision which combines Brené Brown's shame resilience theory with the Discrimination Model of supervision. Dr. Lane loves spending time outdoors, going on walks, playing sports, and working out. He also very much enjoys spending time with his family.

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