Associate Professor of Educational Psychology

Paris,, N. A.

Nita A. Paris, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Educational Psychology

Department of Secondary and Middle Grades Education

KennesawStateUniversity

EDUCATION

Ph.D. in Educational Psychology: Applied Cognition and Development. Cognate in Science Education. The University of Georgia, Athens, GA. May 2000. Dissertation: Elaborate analogies in science text: Tools for enhancing preservice teachers’ knowledge and attitudes.

M.Ed. in Educational Administration. Minor in Computer Education and Cognitive Systems. University of NorthTexas, Denton, TX. 1994.

M.A. in Exercise Physiology. Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX. 1983. Thesis: Isokinetic strength and isokinetic endurance of the quadriceps muscle.

B.S. in Education. Magna cum laude. Major in Physical Education. Minor in Biology Education. Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX. 1985.

B.S. in Nursing. Magna cum laude. Northwestern StateUniversity, Natchitoches, LA. 1980.

UNIVERSITY TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Assistant Professor, Educational Psychology,Department of Secondary and Middle Grades, Kennesaw State University, Summer 2000-present.

Instructor, Educational Psychology, The University of Georgia Study Abroad Program, Oxford University, England, Spring Semester 2000.

Graduate Assistant Instructor, Dept. of Educational Psychology, The University of Georgia, 1998-1999.

Graduate Assistant Instructor for the Associate Dean of Education, The University of Georgia, 1998-1999.

Graduate Assistant Instructor, Dept. of Early Childhood Education, The University of Georgia, 1997-1998.

Research Assistant, Dept. of Early Childhood Education, The University of Georgia, 1997-1998.

PUBLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION AND TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Assistant Principal,HedrickMiddle School, LewisvilleIndependentSchool District, Lewisville, TX. 1995-1997.

Teacher, NorthwestHigh School, NorthwestIndependentSchool District, Justin, TX.1989-1995.

Teacher, Justin Elementary,NorthwestIndependentSchool District, Justin, TX. 1986-1989.

TEACHING CERTIFICATIONS

Educational Administration and Supervision- Professional Middle Management

Secondary Biology, 7-12

Vocational Approval- Health Care Science

Physical Education, PK-12

AWARDS AND HONORS

Distinguished Graduate Teaching Award Finalist, KSU 2005

Distinguished Graduate Teaching Award Nominee, BagwellCollege of Education, 2005

Distinguished Service Award Finalist, KSU 2005

Distinguished Graduate Service Award Winner, KSU Graduate Studies 2005

KSU Foundation Prize Winner, 2005

Distinguished Research in Teacher Education Award, Georgia Association of Teacher Educators, 2004

Distinguished Teaching Award Semi-Finalist, KennesawStateUniversity, 2004

Distinguished Teaching Award Winner, BagwellCollege of Education, 2004

Distinguished Service Award (Graduate) Nominee, BagwellCollege of Education, 2004

Distinguished Dissertation in Teacher Education Award Winner, Association of Teacher Educators, 2002

Distinguished Teaching Award Nominee, BagwellCollege of Education, 2002, 2003

Distinguished Service Award Nominee, BagwellCollege of Education, 2002

Distinguished Paper Award, American Educational Research Association, 2001

Distinguished Service to Education Award, The University of Georgia, 2001.

Distinguished Paper Award, Georgia Educational Research Association, 2000.

Faculty Honoree, Honors Program Outstanding Graduate Student, Judy Coane, 2003

Faculty Honoree, Honors Program Outstanding Graduate Student, Kimberly Brewer, 2002

Excellence in Teaching Award, The University of Georgia, 2000.

GraduateSchoolUniversity Wide Dissertation Assistantship Award, The University of Georgia, 1999-2000.

Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award, The University of Georgia, 1999.

Texas Academy of Math and Science Outstanding Teacher, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 1996.

Tandy Technology Scholar, NorthwestIndependentSchool District, Justin, TX, 1994.

Teacher of the Year, NorthwestHigh School, Justin, TX, 1993.

PUBLICATIONS

Paris, N. A. (2006) (In press)Forging Strong, Effective Parent-Teacher Relationships: The Metaphor of Emotional Bank Accounts. Middle Ground, April.

Paris, N. A. (In revision for submission) No Middle School Left Standing: Fallout from No Child Left Behind. Middle School Journal.

Paris, N. A. (In progress) Riptides in the Middle. For submission to Middle School Journal.

Paris, N. A. & Glynn, S. (2004) Elaborate analogies: Tools for enhancing preservice teachers’ science knowledge and attitudes. Contemporary Educational Psychology (29), 230-247. (Peer reviewed manuscript which received one state and two national awards and the KSU Foundation Prize Award, 2005) also available online at

Paris, N. A. (2003) Analogies aren’t perfect: But darn useful! . A case study response. In T. Koballa & D. Tippens, (Eds) The promises and dilemmas of teaching middle and secondary science: A classroom case handbook, (2nd edition and 1st edition). Prentice Hall. (Peer Reviewed)

Paris, N. A., Sherer, G. & Wan, Y. (2003) Examining support for diverse candidates in NBPTS certification: Higher education and state initiatives. Invited book chapter in Carter, N. (Ed.) Convergence or Divergence: Alignment of standards, assessment, and issues of diversity. American Association of Teacher Educators. (Peer Reviewed)

Paris, N. A. (2001) Effective parent-teacher relationships. IMPACT- Improving Practice and Classroom Teaching.

Paris, N. A. (1999). Biology by analogy. The Science Teacher. 66 (8), 38-41. (Peer Reviewed)

PRESENTATIONS

Paris, N. A. (2006) National standards and professionalization of teaching in the United States; The National Board of Professional Teaching Standards and post-graduate teacher education in the US. Paper to be presented at the Institute for Education, University of London. London, UK.

Paris, N. A. (2006) Conspicuous excellence: Building trust and accountability with stakeholders in teacher education programs. Paper to be presented at the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education. San Diego, CA.

Paris, N. A. (2005) Using EA/AYA NBPT Standards to develop graduate science teacher programs and portfolios. Paper presented at the National Science Teachers Association National Conference. Dallas, TX.

Whittlesey, V., Paris, N. & Horne, C. (2004) A student learning outcomes assessment process at the academic program level. Paper presented at the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges annual meeting, Atlanta, GA.

Kelley, B. & Paris, N.A. (2004) Professional development and the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards in the United States. Invited paper presented at the St. PetersburgAcademy of the Post Graduate Pedagogical Education, Center of Testing and International Education Projects. St. Petersburg, Russia.

Paris, N. A., Fox, M., Harrell, C. & McPherson, T. (2004) Embedding collaboratively developed standards-based portfolio assessments: The process, product, and power to document student learning. Paper presented at the annual American Association of Higher Education conference. Denver, CO.

Paris, N. A. & Econompoulos, M. (2003) Performance assessment strategies in a revised graduate program. Sharing and Connecting Across Campus: Spotlighting Faculty, College, and Campus Initiatives. KennesawStateUniversity. Invited presentation.

Paris, N. A. , Cope, J., Fox, M., Econompoulos, M., Terry, A., & Reeve, K. (2003) Successes and challenges of aligning graduate education programs with the NBPTS. Invited keynote General Session address. Paper presented at the first annual Georgia Association of Accomplished Teacher Supporters. Atlanta, GA.

Paris, N. A. (2003) Improving reading comprehension and metacognition in science through the use of elaborate analogies. Paper presented at the Annual Children’s Literature Conference, Kennesaw, GA.

Paris, N. A. (2003) Elaborate analogies: Tools for enhancing preservice teachers knowledge and attitudes. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Association of Teacher Educators, Jacksonville, FL.

Loomis, K. S., Stallings, L. L. , Paris, N. A., & Economopoulos, M. (2003) Integrating performance-based portfolios into coursework. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Association of Teacher Educators, Jacksonville, FL.

Paris, N. A. (2003) Embedding NBPTS portfolio processes and products into graduate teacher education. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Association of Teacher Educators, Jacksonville, FL.

Sherer, G., Stevens, C. & Paris, N. (2002) Impact of NBCT’s on Georgia Policy Initiatives. Paper presented at the NBCT National Conference, San Diego, CA.

Paris, N. A. & Ross, J. (2002) Authentic learning in the middle grades. Paper presented at the International Sino-American Education Consortium, Kennesaw, GA.

Paris, N. A. (2002) National Board of Professional Teaching Standards: Higher Education Initiatives in the United States. Paper presented at the International Sino-American Education Corsortium, Kennesaw, GA.

Paris, N. A. (2002) NBPTS initiatives and candidate support activities at KennesawStateUniversity. Paper presented at the Georgia Association of National Board Certified Teacher Supporters, Athens, GA.

Paris, N. A. (2002) Embedding NBPTS portfolio processes and products into graduate teacher education. Paper presented at the Georgia Association of Teacher Educators, St. Simons Island, GA.

Paris, N. A. (2002) So you want to be a teacher? Presentation to High School Teacher Cadets, KennesawStateUniversity

Paris, N. A., Zheng, B. & McAlpine, G. (2001) National Board of Professional Teaching Standards: Transforming teaching and teacher education. Paper presented at the Georgia Association of Teacher Educators, Atlanta, GA.

Paris, N. A. & Glynn, S. (2001) Enhancing science text through the use of elaborate analogies. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association Distinguished Paper Session, Seattle, WA.

Glynn, S. & Paris, N. A. (2001) Psychology of teaching. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Georgia Science Teachers Association, Atlanta, GA.

Paris, N. A. & Glynn, S. (2000)Self-relevancy of text through the use of elaborate analogies. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Georgia Educational Research Association, Morrow, GA.

Paris, N. A. (2000) Co-constructing knowledge in the science classroom: Dialogue is the key. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Science Teachers’ Association, Orlando, FL.

Paris, N. A. (2000) Drawing mental models. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Science Teachers’ Association, Orlando, FL..

Paris, N. A. (1999) The college classroom: fertile ground for dialectical constructivism. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Association for Educators of Teachers of Science. Athens, GA..

Paris, N. A. (1999) Analogies: scaffolds and tools for building science knowledge. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Association for Educators of Teachers of Science. Athens, GA..

Paris, N. A. (1999) Elaborate Analogies in Science Text: Metacognitive Scaffolds and Tools. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Georgia Educational Research Association.

GRANTS

Harrell, C. & Paris, N. (2005) GEAR UP. Us Dept. of Education Partnership grant between MariettaMiddle School, Chatahoochee Tech and KennesawState ($425,000 multi-year grant) I serve as the assessment and evaluation coordinator and am responsible for quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and interpretation.

Paris, N. A., Howick, T., Terry, A. and Grover, D. (2002-03) The OWLS Project: Outdoor Woodland Learning and Service Project. Eisenhower Math and Science Grant (funded).

SERVICE

Department of Secondary and Middle Grades Education

Coordinator, M.Ed in Adolescent Education Program, (2001- 2005)

Coordinator, EDUC 3308 (2002-2004); EDUC 7700 (2001-2003); EDUC 7797 (2003-2004)

Chair, Search Committee, (2000-2001)

Member, Tenure and Promotion Committee, 2001, 2003

Member, Adolescent Education Advisory Board (2000-present)

Member, Search committees (2002-2004)

BagwellCollege of Education

Member, EdD Task Force and USGBOR Letter of intent writing team (2004-present)

Chair, Standard Action Team I-Advanced (2002-2004)

Member, Steering Committee for NCATE/PSC (2002-2004)

Member, Grade Appeals/Hearing Committees (2002-2004)

Member, Educational Specialist Degree Task Force (2004-present)

Member, Teacher Education Council (2000-2004)

Member, Educational Leadership Planning Committee (2001-2002)

Member, Educational Leadership Faculty Search Committee (2001-2002)

Member, Performance Based (B2) Committee (2000-2002)

Chair, Ad Hoc Portfolio Committee (2001-2003)

University

BCOE Representative and Member, SACS Accreditation, Assurance of Learning Council, 2003-present

Co-facilitator with CETL fellow and nursing faculty, Assessment of Student Learning, Assurance of Learning Council Brown Bag Sessions, 2003

Member, Environmental Concerns Committee, (2001-2003)

Member, Graduate Council, (2001-present)

Member (voting) Graduate Policy and Curriculum Committee, (2003-present).

Member (non-voting) Graduate Policy and Curriculum Committee, (2001-2003)

Member, General Education Council, (2001-2002)

Facilitator, Session: Innovative Teaching, (2002) Sino-American Education Corsortium.

School District/State-Wide

Member, Board of Directors for the Professional Standards Commission's Executive Committee for National Board Certified Teachers

Member, Georgia Association of National Board Certified Teacher Supporters, Higher Education Subcommittee (2002-present)

Member, NBPTS Accomplished Teacher Committee, Professional Standards Commission (2001)

Member, Cherokee County K-12 Science/Health Textbook Adoption Committee (2002)

Community

Volunteer, Archeological Expeditions, Coosawattee Foundation, (2004-present)

Volunteer, Adopt-A-Family and Adopt-An-Adult Holiday Initiative (2002-present)

Volunteer, KemoTrailCorpsKennesawMountain National Battlefield (2003)

Volunteer, Cornell Lab of Ornithology (2000-present)

Volunteer, Downtown Beautification Committee, City of Acworth, (2001-present)

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

NCATE Continuing Accreditation Workshop, 2003

NCATE/NBPTS Partnership Conference, 2002

KSU First Year Experience Faculty Workshop, 2002

Georgia Association of Teacher Educators Spring Meeting, 2002

National Board of Professional Teaching Standards Facilitator Training, 2001

Georgia Professors of Middle Level Education Workshop, 2001

Georgia Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, 2001

Georgia Association of Teacher Educators Fall Meeting, 2001

American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, 2001

University System of Georgia, Board of Regents Teaching and Learning Conference, 2000

Passed Praxis test for Middle Grades Education, 2000

National Science Teachers’ Association Annual Meeting, 2000

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

American Educational Research Association

American Psychological Association

Georgia Educational Research Association

1