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 University of South Florida 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’s 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’s 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’s 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.
Jessica Beagle
Assistant Director of Professional Learning
Email: jbeagle@usf.edu
Ms. Jessica Beagle is the Assistant Director of Professional Learning in the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching. Ms. Beagle brings over 18 years of experience in public education to the Anchin Center. She holds a degree in elementary education and has worked as an elementary school teacher, a middle school mathematics teacher, department chair, and most recently as an instructional coach supporting multiple content areas across grade levels.
As an instructional coach, Ms. Beagle was responsible for developing and delivering professional learning opportunities for teachers, facilitating professional learning communities and planning teams, and analyzing and interpreting data for the school leadership team. In addition to her teaching and coaching roles, Ms. Beagle has worked as a facilitator and reviewer for EdReports.org, particularly in reviewing mathematics curriculum materials.
Ms. Beagle works to support professional learning, the Suncoast Area Teacher Training Program (SCATT) and Tutor A Bull in the Anchin Center.