Bio/Personal Statement

My name is Sandy Watson and I am an Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Louisiana Monroe, where I hold the Chase Endowed Professorship in Teacher Education. My research interests include science teacher education, multiculturalism and diversity in science, science misconceptions, and power imbalances. I am an ex-officio member of the ASTE Awards Committee and a member of the Equity Committee.

Professional Interests

Science Education Teacher Education Curriculum and Instruction Multiculturalism and Diversity

Publications, Awards, and Other Highlights

PUBLICATIONS Dissertation Watson, S. (2001). The motivational stories of how women become scientists: A hermeneutic phenomenological inquiry. (Publication No. 3041649) [Doctoral Dissertation: Georgia Southern University]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. http://www.il.proquest.com Edited Books Watson, S., Bell, J., & Austin, S. (2022). Conceptual Analyses of Curriculum Inquiry Methodologies. Robert Morris University: IGI Global Communications Publishing Co. Book Chapters Watson, S. (2022). [Re]Imagined Science Methods for Elementary Preservice Teachers. In C. Mayakis (Ed.). Using STEM-Focused Teacher Preparation Programs to Reimagine Elementary Education (pp. xx-xx). IGI Global. (in process). Watson, S. (2022). Hermeneutic phenomenology: Interpretation of lived experience. In S. W. Watson, J. Bell, & S. Austin (Eds.). Conceptual Analyses of Curriculum Inquiry Methodologies (pp. 204 - 222). IGI Global. Watson, S. (2022). Searching for the best-loved self. In C. Craig, D. McDonald, & G. Curtis (Eds.), Best-loved self: Learning and leading in teaching and teacher education (xxx–xxx) Palgrave Macmillan (in press). Watson, S. (2021). Resiliency and women: The journey to academic STEM leadership. In C.J. Craig, L. Turchi, & D.M. McDonald (Eds.), Cross-disciplinary, Cross-institutional Collaboration in Teacher Education (pp. 197-216). Robert Morris University: IGI Global Communications Publishing Co. Kuhn, S., Watson, S. & Walters, T. (2014). Online homework and correlated success in university classes: A longitudinal study. In Kyei-Blankson, L. & Ntuli, E. (Eds.), Practical Applications and Experiences in K-20 Blended Learning Environments. Robert Morris University: IGI Global Communications Publishing Co. Watson, S. (2010). Telementoring in Teacher Education. In Scigliano, D. (Ed.), Telementoring in the K-12 Classroom: Online Communication Technologies for Learning (pp. 148-172). Robert Morris University: IGI Global Communications Publishing Co. https://doi:10.4018/978-1-61520-861 Refereed Journal Articles International Watson, S., & Baker, S. (2021). Elementary school library collections: A content analysis of science trade books for science content, literacy, and critical literacy criteria. Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts, 60(2) 77-103. Watson, S.W., Shan, X., George, B.T., Peters, M. (2021). Alignment of select elementary science curricula to the next generation science standards via the EQuIP rubric. Curriculum Perspectives,41, 17-26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41297-021-00131-x Watson, S., Dubrovskiy, A. & Peters, M. (2020). Addressing undergraduate chemistry II students’ misconceptions of pH with a collaborative computer pH simulation. Chemistry Education Research and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1039/C9RP00235A Watson, S. & Williams-Duncan, O. (2020). School administrators’ perceptions of parental STEM awareness, strategies to promote STEM awareness, and student STEM preparation. Research in Science and Technology Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2020.1774747 Watson, S., Cothern, T. & Peters, M. (2020). School administrators’ perceptions of STEM awareness and resources. AASA Journal of Scholarship and Practice, 17(3), 19-40. George, B., Watson, S., & Peters, M. (2020). The impact of participating in a STEM academy on girls’ STEM attitudes and self-efficacy. International Journal of Science Education, 24(4). https://ejrsme.icrsme.com/article/view/20231 Watson, S., Unruh, J. & Weiser, B. (2020). A comparison of expert vs. novice delivery of STEAM-based instruction on the academic achievement of kindergarten students. Journal of Elementary Education, 30(1), 1-22. Shaner, A., Watson, S., Buxner, S. & Bakerman, M. (2018). ExMASS: A viable model for authentic student-scientist research partnerships. Acta Astronautica https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2018.07.031 Watson, S. & Miller, T. (2013). LGBT oppression: A Freirean approach to transformation: Multicultural Education,19(4), 2-7. Watson, S., Miller, T., Davis, L., & Carter, P (2010). Teachers’ perceptions of the effective teacher. Research in the Schools, 17(2), 11-22. Watson, S. (2010, March). Biology and physics via the Internet: A study of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Conference paper published by the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education, USA: http://site.aace.org/ Miller, T., Watson, S. & Rutledge, V. (2008). Message tees and hidden curriculum. Education Research and Perspectives, 34(2), 91-103. Watson, S. (2007). Boys, masculinity and school violence: Reaping what we sow. Gender and Education, 19(6), 729-737. Watson, S. (2007). Hiroshima and Nagasaki: The atomic bombings and the resultant biological effects of radiation. Japan Inservice/Preservice Teacher Module. Available: http://68.60.199.117/pas/beta/ Sandefur, S., Watson, S., & Johnston, L. (2007): Literacy development, science curriculum, and the adolescent English language learner: Modifying instruction for the English-only classroom. Multicultural Education, 14(3). Watson, S. (2007). Science on a shoestring: Obtaining free and inexpensive science teaching materials. Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science News, September. Watson, S. (2006). Virtual mentoring in higher education: Teacher education and cyber-connections. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 18(3), 168-179. Watson, S. & Johnston, L. (2006). Tolerance in teacher education: Restructuring the curriculum. Multicultural Education, 13(3). THIS ARTICLE IS ALSO PUBLISHED IN: Schultz, F. (Ed.). (2006). Annual Editions: Education 07/08. Akron, OH: McGraw-Hill. Watson, S., Miller, T., Rutledge, V., & Johnston, L. (2006): Professional development school graduate performance: Perceptions of principals. The Teacher Educator, 42(2), 77-86. Watson, S. (2002). 2002: The motivational stories of how women become scientists: Dissertation results. Paper presented at Pathways to Change: An International Conference on Transforming Math and Science Education in the K16 Continuum Washington D.C. Rea, D., Millican, K., & Watson, S. (2000) The serious benefits of fun in the classroom. The Middle School Journal, 31(4), 23-28. National Watson, S. (2021). The 5E lesson plan and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy. The Science Teacher(8)2, 56 – 62. Watson, S. (2019). Virtual chemistry: Using the PhET pH scale simulation and the 5E model to enhance students’ pH understanding. The Science Teacher, 25-30. Watson, S. (2012). Science, language and power: Describing shifting relationships. In J. Settlage & A. Johnston (Eds.), Proceedings of the Science Education at the Crossroads Conference (pp.70-71). Providence, RI. [Available online at http://www.sciedxroads.org/proceedings2012.html] Watson, S. (2011). School of Education to UTeach: A difficult journey. In J. Settlage, A. Johnston, S. Dotger & R. Ceglie (Eds.), Proceedings of the Science Education at the Crossroads Conference. San Antonio, TX. (Available online at www. Sciedxroads.org/proceddings2011.html). Watson, S. & Miller, T. (2009). Classification and the dichotomous key: Tools for identification. The Science Teacher, 76(3), 50-54. Watson, S. (2009) Discovery bottles: A unique and inexpensive tool for the K-2 science classroom. Science and Children, 45(9), 20-24. Watson, S. & Morris, J. (2009): University as Walmart: Consumerism in Academia. Paper presented at The Society for Values in Higher Education Annual Fellows Meeting (and published on SVHE web site): Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, IL Available: http://www.svhe.org/content/papers-and-abstracts Watson, S. & Johnston, L. (2007). Assistive technology in the inclusive science classroom. The Science Teacher, 30(6). Watson, S. (2006). Science on a shoestring: Obtaining free and inexpensive science teaching materials. Science Scope, 30(6). Watson, S. & Johnston, L. (2004). Teaching science to the visually impaired. The Science Teacher, 71(6), 34-38. Watson, S. (2004). Opening the doorway to science for English Language Learners: Practical strategies. The Science Teacher, 71(2), 32-35. CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS International Watson, S. & Baker, S. (2022). Science trade books: A content analysis. Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association, San Diego, CA. Williams-Duncan, O., Watson, S., Smith, A. & El Rasheedy, Y. (2021). An overview of phase 3 research about the exploration of the moon and asteroids by secondary students (ExMASS) program. Joint NASA Exploration Science Forum and European Lunar Symposium. July 23, 2021. Virtual. Craig, C., McDonald, D. M., Auzenne-Curl, C., Curtis, G., Davis, T., Divoll, K., Evans, P., Gauna, L., Kiekel, J., Manuel, M., McAlister-Shields, L., Newsum, J., Pohl, B., Turchi, L., Watson, S., & Williams-Duncan, O. (2021, April). Collective and collaborative understanding of leadership within a knowledge community. Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association. Virtual. George, B. & Watson, S. (2020). The impact of participating in a STEM academy on girls’ STEM self-efficacy. Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association International Conference. Virtual. Watson, S., Cothern, T. & Peters, M. (2020). School administrators’ perceptions of STEM awareness and resources. Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association International Conference. Virtual. Shane, A., Watson, S., Buxner, S. & Bakerman, M. (2018). ExMASS: Four years of authentic scientific research by high school students. The 2018 NASA Exploration Science Forum, Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute. NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA. Watson, S. (2005). Women scientists. Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association International Conference, Montreal, Canada. National Watson, S. (2022) Assessing Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in “More than an example: Implementing culturally responsive pedagogies in STEM education” Teaching Conference. April 1, 2022 Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri. (invited speaker-virtual) Smith, A., Williams-Duncan, O., Watson, S., & El Rasheedy, Y. (2021, October). Scientist advisors: An overview of research about the Exploration of the Moon and Asteroids by Secondary Students (ExMASS) program. Paper presented at the American Association for Teaching and Curriculum, Albuquerque, NM. Watson, S. & Baker, S. (2021, October). Elementary school library collections: A content analysis of science trade books. Paper presented at the American Association for Teaching and Curriculum, Albuquerque, NM. Williams-Duncan, O., Watson, S., Smith, A., & Rasheedy, Y. (2021, October). Cultivating student engagement in STEM: Phase 3 research exploring scientist advisor and student team relationships in the 2020-2021 Exploration of the Moon and Asteroids by Secondary Students (ExMASS) Program. Paper presented at the American Association for Teaching and Curriculum, Albuquerque, NM. McDonald, D. M., Craig, C., Pohl, B., Sack, J., Watson, S., Cooper, J., Williams-Duncan, O. & Gauna, L. (2021, October). Muses that amuse: Inspirational stories of teachers’ best-loved selves. Paper presented at the American Association for Teaching and Curriculum, Albuquerque, NM. McDonald, D. M., Craig, C., Pohl, B., Sack, J., Watson, S., Cooper, J., Williams-Duncan, O. & Gauna, L. (2021, October). Crossing disciplines and institutions: Proliferating and pro-liberating possibilities in learning to lead through collaboration. Paper presented at the American Association for Teaching and Curriculum, Albuquerque, NM. McDonald, D., Craig, C., Watson, S., Auzenne, C., Pohl, B., Williams-Duncan, O., Curtis, G., Divoll, K. (2021, June). Two books, two tales: Looking back at leadership development and moving forward with our best-loved selves. Paper presented at the Virtual Invisible College. Virtual. Williams-Duncan, O., Watson, S., Smith, A., & El Rasheedy, Y. (2021, October). An overview of phase 3 research about the exploration of the moon and asteroids by secondary students (ExMASS) program. Paper presented at the NASA Exploration Science Forum & European Lunar Symposium. Virtual. Watson, S., Williams-Duncan, O. & Peters, M.L. (2020, July 27-30). School administrators’ awareness of parental STEM knowledge, strategies to promote STEM knowledge, and student STEM preparation [Conference Session]. Paper presented at the National Science Teaching Association STEM20 Conference. Virtual. https://www.nsta.org/stem20-virtual-event McDonald, D., Crawford, C., Watson, S., Shulsky, D. & Baker, S. (2019, October) Leadership lessons learned: The liminal space between limitations and victory laps. Paper presented at the American Association for Teaching and Curriculum Conferenc. Birmingham, AL. Watson, S. & Kuhn, S. (2012). Customized web homework: Why? How? To what effect? Advantages? Disadvantages? Paper presented at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Conference. Hartford, CT. Watson, S. (2012, May). UTeach Co-Directors’ Panel Session. University of TX, UTeach Annual Conference. Austin, TX. Watson, S. &. Kuhn, S. (2011, May). UTeach Engineering – An Integral part of UTeaChattanooga. University of TX, UTeach Annual Conference. Austin, TX. Watson, S. & Kuhn, S. (2011, May). Recruitment strategies for UTeach replication sites. University of TX UTeach Annual Conference. Austin, TX. Watson, S., Miller, T., & Carter, P. (2010, September). Teachers’ perceptions of effective teaching. Paper presented at the Ethnographic and Qualitative Research Conference. Cedarville, OH. Watson, S. (2010). Physics and biology via the Internet: A study of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Paper presented at the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education. San Diego, CA. Watson, S. & Morris, B.J. (2009). University as Wal Mart: Consumerism in academia. Paper presented at the Society for Values in Higher Education. Chicago, IL. Watson, S. (2008). Teaching about Japan: Japan in-service/pre-service teacher module. Paper presented at the Asian Studies Conference. Hilton Head Island, SC. Watson, S., Rutledge, V. & Johnston, L. (2007). PDS: A partnership of success. Paper presented at the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities Conference. Towson, MD. Watson, S., Rutledge, V. & Johnston, L. (2007). Perceptions of teacher performance: PDS vs. non-PDS. Paper presented at the Holmes Conference. San Antonio, TX. Watson, S., Rutledge, V., & Johnston, L. (2006). Professional Development Schools. Paper presented at the Teachers for a New Era Conference. Philadelphia, PA. Watson, S. (2005). Teaching science to students with special needs. Paper presented at the National Science Teachers Association National Convention. Dallas, TX. Watson, S., Rutledge, V., & Driver, J. (2005). ESL Summer Institute results. Paper presented at the Holmes Conference. Philadelphia, PA. Watson, S. & Rutledge, V. (2005). Urban impact. Paper presented at the Holmes Conference. Philadelphia, PA. Watson, S. & Rutledge, V. (2004). The changing landscape of teacher preparation: Exploring the Professional Development School. Paper presented at the National Science Teachers Association National Conference. Atlanta, GA. Watson, S. (2004). ESL students and success in science: Teaching practices and strategies. Paper presented at the National Youth-at-Risk Conference. Savannah, GA. Watson, S., Rutledge, V. & Johnston, L. (2004). NCATE, NCLB, and PDS: A formula for measuring success. Paper presented at the Maryland Professional Development School Network’s Second National Professional Development School Conference. Baltimore, MD. Watson, S. & Millican, K. (2001). Girls just wanna have fun: Motivating girls in science with serious fun. Paper presented at the JCT Conference on Curriculum Theory and Classroom Practices, Bergamo Conference Center. Dayton, OH. Watson, S. (2000). Spaces of hope: The work of Bryan Deever. Paper presented at the JCT Conference on Curriculum Theory and Classroom Practices, Bergamo Conference Center. Dayton, OH. Regional/Multistate Watson, S. (2022, April-Invited speaker). Evaluating lessons for cultural relevance/responsiveness. More than an example: Implementing culturally responsive pedagogies in STEM education. Regal STEM Conference, Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri. Watson, S., Bartsch, R., Kelling, A., Beavers, E., & Shan, G. (2019, April). Benefits of introspection and self-reflection in a course on effective teaching practices. Paper presented at the Innovative Teaching and Learning Symposium, University of Houston. Houston, TX. Watson, S. (2019, February). Texas school Administrators’ perceptions of parental STEM awareness. Paper presented at the Southeastern Research Association. San Antonio, TX. Watson, S., & Weiser, B. (2018, February). A comparison of expert vs. novice delivery of STEAM-based instruction on the academic achievement of kindergarten students. Paper presented at the Southeastern Educational Research Association. New Orleans, LA. Watson, S. (2012). Science, language and power: Describing shifting relationships. Paper presented at the Science Education at the Crossroads Conference. Providence, RI. Watson, S., Miller, T., & Carter, P. (2011). Teacher perceptions of quality instruction: A longitudinal investigation of middle schools within a district. Paper presented at the Educational Research: Innovations in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey Conference. Philadelphia, PA. Watson, S. (2011). Education to UTeach: A new beginning. Paper presented at the Science Education at the Crossroads Conference. San Antonio, TX. Watson, S., Rutledge, V., & Driver, J. (2004). UTC’s ELL Summer Institute. Paper presented at the Southeast Teachers of English to Students of Other Languages Conference. Nashville, TN. Watson, S. (2002). Let’s eliminate the stereotypical male scientist: Strategies to motivate girls in science. Paper presented at the National Science Teachers Association Regional Conference. Louisville, KY. Watson, S. & Millican, K. (2001). Fun with physics and physical science. Paper presented at the National Science Teachers Association Southeastern Area Conference. Atlanta, GA. State Watson, S., & Cothern, T. (March 2019). Texas school administrators’ perceptions of STEM awareness and resources. Paper presented at the Greater Houston Area STEM Conference, University of Houston-Clear Lake. Houston, TX Watson, S. & Kuhn, S. (2011). UTeaChattanooga. Paper presented at the Tennessee Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges. Dyersburg State Community College. Dyersburg, TN. Watson, S. & Johnston, L. (July 2004). Teaching science to students with disabilities: Practical strategies. Paper presented at the Alabama Department of Education 2004 Mega Conference. Mobile, AL. Watson, S. & Johnston, L. (July 2005). Science and special needs students: A winning combination. Paper presented at the Alabama Department of Education 2005 Megaconference. Mobile, AL. HONORS 2021-present Awarded Chase Professorship in Teacher Education Endowment: ULM. 2021 Full Graduate Faculty Member: ULM 2020 Elected to Faculty Senate: UHCL 2019 Go to Eleven Award: UHCL Faculty Development Center. 2018 Go to Eleven Award, UHCL Faculty Development Center. 2018 NASA Emerging Star Award, NASA MUREP MEI. 2013 Ten Year Service Award, UTC. 2012 Promoted to Professor, UTC. 2011 Distinguished Rating on Administrator Goals, UTC College of Arts and Science. 2011 Odyssey Supernova Award Nominee, UTC. 2010 Exceeds Expectations EDO Rating, UTC. 2010 UTC Lady Mocs Basketball Team Academic Coach. 2010 Outstanding Teaching/Advising Award, College of Education, UTC. 2009-2010 Alpha Society President, UTC. 2009 Exceeds Expectations EDO Rating, UTC. 2008 Five Year Service Award, UTC. 2007 Elected to Council of Scholars, UTC. 2007 Institutional Representative for American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE). 2007 Outstanding Research and Scholarship Award, UTC. 2007 Received Tenure and Promotion to Associate Professor, UTC. 2006 Exceeds Expectations EDO Rating. 2006-2008 Alpha Society Vice President, UTC. 2005 Exceeds Expectations EDO Rating, UTC. 2006 Elected to Alpha Society (UTC). 2006 Elizabeth Dalton Award (outstanding accomplishments in all three areas of research, service, and teaching, College of Education, UTC). 2005 Teaching, Learning, and Technology Faculty Fellow, UTC. 2005 Education About Asia, Faculty Fellow, UTC. 2005 Awarded UC Foundation Professorship, UTC. 2004 Nominated for Tennessee Science Educator of the Year, Higher Education Division, UTC. 2003 Nominated for Tennessee Science Educator of the Year, Higher Education Division, UTC. 2002 Wayne County High School Teacher of the Year, runner up. 2001 Wayne County High School Teacher of the Year, runner up.