Faculty & Staff

Jill E. Purdy Professor Chair, Education B.S., Elementary Education, East Stroudsburg University M.Ed., Reading, East Stroudsburg University Ed.D., Reading and Language Arts, Widener University Curtis 226 jepurdy@cedarcrest.edu

Career Highlights

Jill Purdy is a professor and the chair of the education department at Cedar Crest College.

Since joining the faculty at Cedar Crest in 2005, Jill researched and presented on topics in the teaching of English Language Learners, effective online teaching and mindfulness in the classroom. She teaches many courses both at the undergraduate and graduate levels on reading instruction and instructional pedagogy. Jill also works with the teachers seeking the English as a Second Language and Reading Specialist certifications. Previously, Jill was the director of the graduate program, and has served as the Chair of the department for over 5 years.

Jill taught for over 15 years in public education at the elementary and middle school levels.  She also served as a reading specialist in local school districts. After receiving her bachelor's degree, Jill began teaching in fifth grade in the Easton School District. Shortly after obtaining her master's, Jill moved to a middle level teaching position at Southern Lehigh School District, where she taught English, Reading and Social Studies. Jill's next position was as a Reading Specialist at Salisbury Middle School.

"I teach at Cedar Crest to inspire students to become enthusiastic and knowledgeable educators who have a passion for the profession."
--Jill Purdy, Ed.D., Professor/Department Chair, Education

Memberships

Jill is a member of the following organizations:

• International Reading Association
• Keystone State Reading Association
• Colonial Area Reading Educators

 

Melissa Kamyab Assistant Professor Director of Graduate Program B.S., Elementary Education, Psychology, Moravian College M.Ed., Reading, Lehigh University Ed.D., Foundations of Education, Lehigh University Curtis 228 Melissa.Kamyab@cedarcrest.edu

Dr. Melissa Kamyab earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and Psychology from Moravian College, as well as both her master's degree in Reading and Doctor of Education from Lehigh University. She has worked at the elementary, middle, and secondary levels and has served as a college adjunct at Lehigh University. She holds a Reading Specialist Certificate, as well as Elementary and Secondary Principal Certifications, and the Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility. Presently, Dr. Kamyab teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in educational research, literacy teaching and learning, early childhood and secondary methods, and planning for agency and understanding, while also serving as the Director of the Graduate Program for the Department. In addition, she has served as the past faculty mentor to the Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society on campus.

Dr. Kamyab is a literacy advocate; an avid reader herself, and a dedicated supporter of the public library. She has organized and participated in both One Book, One School as well as One Book, One City and World Book Night events.

Dr. Kamyab was the 2021 recipient of The Celebrate Literacy Award from The Keystone State Literacy Association of Central Pennsylvania in recognition of her accomplishments to advance and promote literacy with preservice and practicing educators as well as through community outreach initiatives. The award highlighted the Education Department’s #WeRead360 Children and Young Adult Book Collection established in partnership with Cressman Library and Initially funded by a grant awarded to her through Cedar Crest College’s Inclusion and Diversity in Education Center.

"Our goal as educators is to foster a culture of learning and growth to promote agency, equity, and understanding for our students."

 

Ivonne Miranda Assistant Professor A.S., Hostos Community College B.S., Herbert H. Lehman College M.Ed., Walden University Ph.D., Walden University Curtis 225 ivonne.miranda@cedarcrest.edu

Career Highlights

Dr. Miranda has taught 21 years in urban schools in the Bronx and Allentown, of which has helped her gain a broad range of experience in working with ESL students. In her career, Dr. Miranda has provided workshops and professional learning communities in writing and STEM. She has been involved in several STEM funded projects that has provided learning opportunities for students of minority backgrounds.

Courses Taught

• Educational psychology
• Foundations of American Education
• Teaching Methods in content areas
• Courses in literacy, science, arts, and social studies
• Student teacher practicum

Research Interest

Her research interests include: influences of early exposure of STEM; effects of teaching persona on pre-service teachers; the impact of culturally diverse writing has on student learning.

Memberships

Keystone State Reading Association
International Literacy Association
Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society

Advice

“Be passionate about learning and be an innovative teacher. Use your interest to motivate students and create engaging lessons. Get involved with schools and their community, and it will help you grow and become the teacher you envision to be.”

 

Sarah Fields Education Department Office Manager Coordinator of Field & Student Teaching Experience Curtis Hall 223 Ext. 4610 sarah.fields@cedarcrest.edu