About
Staff
David Scanga, Ed.D.
Director and Endowed Chair of Education Innovation
Email: scanga@usf.edu
Dr. David Scanga is the Director and Endowed Chair of Education Innovation of the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching. He holds a doctorate (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the OB体育官网 and a Master of Arts in School Psychology from the University of Indiana in Pennsylvania. He has served in diverse roles, including student services, both school and district administration, and taught various university courses in educational leadership. Over his career, he has worked in rural and urban education settings in the United States and internationally. Dr. Scanga has presented at numerous state and national conferences on topics related to inclusionary practices, strengths-based leadership, and ways to support school principals.
Dr. Scanga鈥檚 passion for learning aligns with the mission of advancing the teaching profession of the David C. Anchin Center. A continuous search for a new spirit of teaching and learning is needed to prepare educators to equip students for a rapidly changing world. Both systems and networking thinking are dominant themes in his research. Today鈥檚 educational organizations must be flexible, responsive, and networked. Robust organizations are affiliated organizations that enable adaptation to the changing dynamics of a globalized world.
The core beliefs of the David C. Anchin Center are focused on providing all students access to excellent teachers and rich educational experiences. This is accomplished through ongoing professional development that enhances the skills and abilities of teachers, so students are provided with an equitable learning opportunity to learn and succeed.
Rachel Hatten, Ph.D.
Associate Director
Director of Professional Learning
Email: rachelhatten@usf.edu
Dr. Rachel Hatten is the Associate Director in the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching. She holds a Ph.D. in Critical Literacy and English Education and a Master of Arts in Literacy Education, both from the University of Minnesota. Her research focuses on sociocultural theory and detracking efforts in privileged classroom spaces. As a practicing teacher, Dr. Hatten has presented at national and international conferences and led numerous professional development workshops related to her work in literacy, equity, and best practices in instruction.
Prior to joining the Anchin Center, Dr. Hatten led literacy curriculum, instruction, and assessment for Pasco County Schools as the Senior Instructional Specialist for Literacy. In this role, she was responsible for writing and delivering professional development to teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators related to best practices in literacy instruction and intervention. She also wrote curriculum, made recommendations to the Superintendent鈥檚 Senior Staff, and made plans for literacy development in response to district- and school-wide data systems. Dr. Hatten is also a former Literacy Coach, Racial Equity Coach, and high school English teacher, roles she served in for thirteen years in Minnesota prior to moving to Florida.
Dr. Hatten believes deeply in the transformative power of professional learning to elevate instructional practice and improve outcomes for students鈥攏ot only in terms of academic achievement, but also in their holistic well-being. She sees education as a conduit for life opportunities, human rights, and justice, and advocates for every student鈥檚 right to excellent teachers and rich, engaging educational experiences. At the Anchin Center, she values the Center鈥檚 role as a bridge between theory and practice, where research-informed strategies are brought to li