Carolyn Abel

I earned my B.S. in Elementary Education with a minor in Humanities from the University of Pittsburgh in 1970. I continued my education at Penn State University, where I achieved an M.S. Equivalency in Elementary Education in 1973. I then pursued my Ed.D. at the University of Nevada, Reno, graduating with Highest Honors in Curriculum and Instruction in 1982. My major was Reading, with a minor in Early Childhood Education. My dissertation focused on the effects of novelty stimulus on learning retention of stories in kindergarten students.

I have held various professional roles throughout my career. I started as a Public School Teacher in 1970 and took a sabbatical to complete my doctorate. I then worked as a Paralegal and Office Manager during my doctoral studies. After completing my doctorate, I returned to education as a Model Teacher, Student Teacher Supervisor, and Assistant Professor. In 2002, I was promoted to Associate Professor at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX, where I was awarded tenure in 2006 and promoted to Professor.

Over the years, I have received numerous honors and awards, including the Margaret Hoover Perkins Professorship for five consecutive years from 2008 to 2013. I was also nominated for the University Foundation Teaching Excellence Award in 2007 and received the Teaching Excellence Award from the Stephen F. Austin State University Department of Elementary Education in 2000.

I have taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses, focusing on reading skills, early literacy development, and elementary education theory and practice. I am certified in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, and as a Reading Specialist. I continue to contribute to the field of education through my work and research.