Dr. Stephanie Alexander

• Position: Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice
• Department: Teaching, Leadership, and Research
• Office Location: 85, 188
• salexander@uwf.edu
• Campus: 850.474.7404

Biography

Dr. Stephanie Alexander holds an Ed.D. in Reading and Literacy Leadership from Walden University, where her research focused on novice teachers’ perceptions of theory within the practice of teaching reading. She also earned an M.S. in Reading and Literacy from Walden University and a B.Ed. in Elementary Education from Hardin-Simmons University.

With over 37 years of experience in public education, Dr. Alexander brings a wealth of practical knowledge to her teacher education courses. Her extensive background includes teaching across all elementary grade levels, as well as serving as an elementary intervention teacher. This diverse experience allows her to effectively bridge the gap between educational theory and classroom practice.

Dr. Alexander’s passion for literacy and commitment to professional development have been the driving forces behind her career. For the past decade, she served as a literacy coach, supporting teachers from kindergarten through 12th grade. In this role, she provided instructional leadership, mentoring, and evidence-based strategies to enhance literacy outcomes across diverse learning environments.

Her research and professional interests include literacy coaching, teacher development, reading interventions, and balanced literacy instruction. Dr. Alexander has presented at national conferences, including the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers and the International Literacy Association, sharing insights on professional development, clinical experiences for pre-service teachers, and effective literacy strategies.

A National Board-Certified Teacher in Literacy: Reading-Language Arts for Early and Middle Childhood (2010–2020), Dr. Alexander’s extensive service to the profession includes contributions as an item writer and reviewer for the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations. She has also received the University of West Florida Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to higher education.

Degrees & Institutions

• Ed.D., Reading and Literacy Leadership, Walden University
• M.S., Reading and Literacy, Walden University
• B.Ed., Elementary Education, Hardin-Simmons University