Faculty & Staff

Education

B.S., Elementary Education, East Stroudsburg University
M.Ed., Reading, East Stroudsburg University
Ed.D., Reading and Language Arts, Widener University

Courses Taught

• Reading
• English as a Second Language
• Diversity in Education
• Teaching Methods
• Courses in literacy, mathematics, and social studies

Career Highlights

Jill Purdy is an associate professor and the director of graduate programs in the education department at Cedar Crest College.

Jill cannot remember a time when she didn't want to be a teacher, so it is no surprise to her family that she has been in the teaching field for over 15 years at the middle and elementary levels.

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.

Since joining the faculty at Cedar Crest, Jill has been researching the teaching of English Language Learners. She has enjoyed visiting several ESL classrooms in local school districts. Jill's current position as the graduate program director and assistant professor has allowed her to teach many different courses and occasionally supervise teachers in the field.

"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., Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Programs, Education

Memberships

Jill is a member of the following organizations:

• International Reading Association
• Keystone State Reading Association
• Colonial Area Reading Educators
• National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
• National Science Teachers Association

Melissa Kamyab is a literacy advocate; an avid reader herself; and a strong 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. Presently, Kamyab is teaching educational research, reading methodology and secondary methods and assessment courses at Cedar Crest College, and she is the faculty mentor to the Kappa Delta Pi Educational Honor Society. Her teaching experience ranges from elementary to middle and secondary levels. Kamyab earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education and psychology from Moravian College and both a master's degree in reading and a Doctorate of Education from Lehigh University. Kamyab holds a Reading Specialist Certificate, as well as Elementary and Secondary Principal Certifications, and the Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility.

Ivonne Miranda served as an educator for 18 years and obtained multiple teaching certifications in reading and teaching. During her teaching career she was a literacy coach, instructional coach and a classroom teacher from grade levels Pre-K to fifth grade. In her 12 years in the Allentown School District she was a three-time recipient of the Teacher Innovation Grant Award for promoting STEM, and the 2018-2019 recipient of the Superintendent’s Award of Allentown School District. Miranda is teaching about effective teaching methods, how assessments can improve teaching and enhance students learning, educational foundations, and educational psychology. She received an Associate of Applied Science degree from Hostos Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Herbert H. Lehman College and a master’s and doctorate from Walden University.