Welcome new faculty members to Appalachian State University's Reich College of Education. Read on to learn more about each, including research interests and why they joined the faculty at Appalachian.
Jason DeHart
Reading Education and Special Education, Reading Education
Assistant Professor
Dr. Jason DeHart earned a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee Knoxville, and a Ed.S., M.A.T. and B.A. from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Prior to Appalachian, DeHart taught middle grades English for eight years at Ocoee MIdle School in Cleveland, Tennessee, and was an adjunct instructor at Lee University.
“I am most excited about the opportunity to talk about teaching strategies and interesting books with bright young educators who can then continue the conversation with their students.”
DeHart’s research focuses on adolescent literacy, multimodal literacy, digital reading and writing practices, and engaging in readers who are reluctant.
In addition, he loves reading comic books and graphic novels as well as hiking. As a first-generation college student, he loves crafting meaningful experiences for students, and he is grateful for this new chapter in his professional story.
Why Appalachian
I am passionate about reading education, and I am a firm believer in the powerful role teachers play in developing young people. I am also a mountaineer at heart.
David Peyton
Reading Education and Special Education, Special Education
Assistant Professor
Dr. David Peyton earned his Ph.D. from the University of Florida. Prior to his Ph.D. program, Peyton served as an instructor at Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and taught special education at the secondary level in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Prior to arriving to Appalachian, Peyton was a doctoral fellow at the University of Florida supported through an Office of Special Education Programs leadership grant. He supported an IES grant to examine the validity of the Danielson Framework For Teaching as an observation instrument for special education teachers.
“I am most excited at the chance to work closely with undergraduates and help them develop into effective special education teachers.”
His research focuses on special education teacher quality, special education teacher preparation, and teacher observation.
Why Appalachian
The commitment to teacher education was an immediate draw for me. From the dean to the department chair down to the faculty and students, it was obvious that producing a quality educator was a priority. I want to be part of building on that foundation.
Pamela Shue
Family and Child Studies, Child Development
Associate Professor
Dr. Pamela Shue earned an Ed.D. and M.Ed. from Temple University and a B.S. from Pennsylvania State University.
Shue comes to Appalachian from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, where she served as the Deputy State Superintendent. Prior to that position, she was the director of the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education and an associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
“I am excited to meet new colleagues, get to know the students, and learn about the community.”
Her research focuses on STEM in early childhood education and bridging the gap from policy to practice.
Why Appalachian
I love the mountains and RCOE’s commitment to excellence in teaching!
Cacey Wells
Curriculum and Instruction, Mathematics Education
Assistant Professor
Dr. Cacey Wells earned a Ph.D. in instructional leadership and academic curriculum, an M.Ed. in instructional leadership and academic curriculum, and a B.S. in mathematics education from the University of Oklahoma.
Wells comes to Appalachian from the University of Oklahoma, where he served as a graduate research assistant in their K20 Center for Education and Community Renewal. Prior to that, he was a high school mathematics teacher at the International School of the Americas in San Antonio, Texas.
“I'm excited to start my career in a department that is known for excellence in preparing future educators to enter the teaching profession.”
His research focuses on four areas: mathematics education, democratic classrooms, curriculum theory, and teacher preparation.
In addition, Wells enjoys playing the banjo, photography, and hiking. “I like running and riding my bicycle, but the hills around Boone are proving to be pretty killer,” said Wells.
Why Appalachian
App State felt like family from the moment I arrived. I love the sense of community that exists in my department and with my fellow mathematics educators. Plus, who could resist the mountains?
Shuai Zhang
Reading Education and Special Education, Reading Education
Research Assistant Professor
Dr. Shuai Zhang earned a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. He joins Appalachian from Texas A&M University, where he served as a graduate research assistant.
“I am excited to officially graduate from Texas A&M University and join Appalachian State University as a faculty member!”
Zhang’s research focuses on:
- reading behavior of autism spectrum disorder students,
- early literacy acquisition,
- second language reading and writing acquisition,
- quantitative data analysis, and
- research design.
Growing up, Zhang lived at the foot of a mountain in China, and he called himself a mountaineer before joining Appalachian.
Why Appalachian
Great faculty members, welcoming atmosphere, and I do both reading and special education research so my research lines well fit the department.
New Faculty
