ABOUT
Dr. Wood currently serves at East Tennessee State University as an Assistant Professor. She works with pre-service, K-5 teachers in literacy courses and coordinates the middle grades program. Her research interests include rural education, science and literacy integration, and literacy studies.EDUCATION
Doctorate of Philosophy in Education
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Master of Arts in Education
Western Carolina University
Bachelor of Arts and Science
Mars Hill University
CREDENTIALS
North Carolina Teaching Licenses
Elementary Education (K-6)
English Education (9-12, Master’s Level)
EXPERIENCE
August 2022-Present - Assistant Professor of Education
East Tennessee State University
Clemmer College of Education and Human Development
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Summer 2014- Present Clinical Instructor
East Tennessee State University
Clemmer College of Education and Human Development
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
COURSES TAUGHT
Undergraduate Courses Taught
READ 3200 Teaching Writing and Language Arts in the Elementary School
READ 3000 Current Issues of 21st Century Literature
READ 3050 Foundations of Literacy
READ 4437 Reading Instruction in Middle and Secondary Schools
READ 4026 Residency 1: Assessment and Enhancement of Literacy
CUAI 3500 Instructional Management K-6
CUAI 4560 Pre- Residency: Clinical Field K-6
CUAI 4241 Residency 1: Clinical Field K-6
CUAI 4120: Residency 1: Language Arts
READ 4300: Residency 1: Language and Literacy Instruction in Diverse Classrooms
Graduate Courses Taught
READ 5027 Diagnoses of Remedial Reading
READ 5437 Reading in Middle and Secondary School
READ 5241 Practice in Teaching Reading
READ 5120 Teaching Reading
READ 5190 Linguistics of Reading
READ 5210 Psychology of Reading
READ 5231 Advanced Diagnostics Procedures
READ 5950 Action Research in Reading Education
READ 5120 Advanced Teaching of Reading and Writing
CURRICULUM DESIGN
READ 4300: Residency 1, Language and Literacy Instruction in Diverse ClassroomsREAD 5120: Advanced Teaching of Reading and Writing
READ 4026: Residency 1: Assessment and Enhancement of Literacy
READ 3200: Teaching Writing and Language Arts in Elementary School
READ 3050: Foundations of Literacy
CUAI 3500: Instructional Management
CUAI 4560: Pre Residency: The First Days of School
RESEARCH
Fall 2018 to Spring 2019, The Integration of Literacy and Science: An Ethnographic Case Study set in an Appalachian
Elementary School, University of Tennessee Knoxville
Principal researcher on the impact of integrating science and literacy in an Appalachian
elementary school as a dissertation topic.
Fall 2013 to Spring 2014, Science Literacy: Black Mountain Primary and Elementary Schools, East Tennessee State
University
Co-principal researcher with Dr. Renee Moran on the impact of implementing science literacy on K-5 teacher decision-making.
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION EXPERIENCE
K-5 Curriculum Coach, August 2009 to August 2014, Buncombe County Schools, Asheville, NC
Fourth Grade Teacher, August 2007 to June 2009, Oakley Elementary School, Asheville, NC
Elementary Teacher, February 2002 to June 2007, Johnston Elementary School, Asheville, NC
PRESENTATIONS
International
Jennings, L., Moran, R. Hong, H., Keith, K. (July 2016). Literacy Learning in the Digital Age: Practical Methods for Incorporating Digital
Book Clubs. International Literacy Association: Boston, MA.
Keith, K., Moran, R., Hong, H., & Jennings, L. (July 2015). No Time for Science: Science, Reading, and Language Arts Joined at the HIIP. International Literacy Association. St. Louis: Missouri.
National
Wood, L., Moran, R. (April, 2022). Integrating Literacy and Science as a Place-Based Event: An Ethnographic Case Study
of Primary Grades Teaching in a Rural Appalachian Primary School. American Educational Research Association. San Diego, CA.
Jennings, L. (February 2021). Integrating Literacy and Science as a Place-Based Event: An Ethnographic Case Study
of Primary Grades Teaching in a Rural Appalachian Primary School. Eastern Educational Research Association. Online.
Jennings, L., Misawa, M., & Moran, R. (February 2020). Integrating Literacy and Science as a Place-Based Event: An Ethnographic Case Study
of Primary Grades Teaching in a Rural Appalachian Primary School. University of Nevada at Las Vegas, UNLV Ethnographic and Qualitative Research Conference,
EQRC. Las Vegas, NV.
Moran, R.M., Jennings, J.L., Keith, K.J. (April, 2019). Survivance in a Policy Laden World: Teacher Perspectives in the Age of Common Core. American Educational Research Association. Ontario, Canada.
Robertson, L., Tai, C., Moran, R., Jennings, L., Eubanks, K., & Honeycutt, S. (April,
2017). Photosynthesis: An Integrated, Hands-On Approach Supporting the NGSS and CCSS ELA. National Science Teachers Association. Los Angles, California.
Jennings, L., Moran, R., & Hong, H. (December 2017). A Self-Study Inquiry into Instructional Coaching: Developing Understandings of Intentional
Coaching. Literacy Research Association. Tampa, Florida.
Hong, H., Keith, Moran, Jennings, Robertson, & Fisher. (December 2017). Reflective Narrative as Inquiry: Expanding our Understanding of In-Service Teachers
Experiences with and Needs in Working with English Language Learners. Literacy Research Association. Tampa, Florida.
Roberston, L., Tai, C., Moran, R., & Jennings, L. (April, 2017). Force and Motion: An Integrated K-8 Hands-On Approach Supporting the NGSS and CCSS
ELA. National Science Teachers Association. Los Angles, California.
Hong, H., Keith, K., Moran, R., & Jennings, L. (February, 2017). Listening to Teachers’ and Teacher Candidates’ Discounted Stories about Cultural and
Linguistic Diversity. National Council of Teachers of English Assembly on Research. San Francisco: CA.
Jennings, L. & Moran, R. (December, 2016). Science Literacy Integration in the K-6 Classroom: Teacher Perceptions and Resulting
Decision Making. Literacy Research Association: Nashville, TN.
Robertson, L., & Jennings, L. (April 2016) Forces and Motion (PS2): An Integrated K–8 Hands-On Approach Supporting the NGSS
and CCSS ELA. National Science Teachers Association Conference. Nashville, TN.
Hong, H., Keith, K., Moran, R. & Jennings, L. (December 2015). Use Imagination to Bridge Children’s Learning of Literacy and Science: A Dialogic
Approach. The Literacy Research Association. Carlsbad, California.
Jennings, L. (October 2012). Morning Juice: Implementing High Quality Math Tasks. National Council for Teaching Mathematics, NCTM. Greensboro, NC.
Jennings, L. (February 2008). Panel Discussion: The Discourse on Africa in the Current Conjuncture, or, How is Brad
Pitt Shaping My Knowledge about Africa?: An Examination of the Last King of Scotland,
Blood Diamond and The Africa Issue of Vanity Fair. British Commonwealth and Postcolonial Studies Conference: Savannah, GA.
Regional
Price, J., Krupa, M., Wood, L., Moran, R., and Nivens, R. (March 2022). LEGO Story Visualizer, 2022 Inspire and Innovate with STEM: WRESA’S Annual Virtual Conference. Western Region Education Service Alliance (WRESA):
Online.
Jennings, L. and M. Boram. (July 2014). Picture Perfect Science in Action!, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Summer Institute, Pisgah High School:
Canton, NC.
Dwyer, E., Jennings, L. (June 2018). The Word Builder Kit. TTU-IRA Summer Literacy Conference: Cookeville, TN.
Dwyer, E., Jennings, L. (June 2016). The Word Builder Kit. TTU-IRA Summer Literacy Conference: Cookeville, TN.
Moran, R and L. Jennings. (December 2013). The Power of Close Reading: Teaching Students How to Engage Deeply with Text. East Tennessee Title One Reading Conference, Gatlinburg, TN.
Jennings, L. (December 2013). Close Reading, Gilbreath Reading Association, East Tennessee State University: Johnson City, TN.
State
Wood, L. Ray, L, and Shivers, S. (December 2021). Literacy Specialists and Visible Learning for Literacy. Tennessee Literacy Association Conference: Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Jennings, L. (December 2020). Scaffolding Foundational Reading Skills within Text-based Instruction: Online.
Jennings, L. (December 2017). Innovative Thinking in the Literacy Classroom. Tennessee Reading Association: Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Moran, R. & Jennings, L. (October 2014). Using Nonfiction Text with Young Students. Tennessee Association for the Education of Young Children: Chattanooga, TN.
Jennings, L. (March 2013). Moodle Book Club, North Carolina Reading Association State Conference. Raleigh, NC.
Jennings, L. (October 2010). Using Games to Connect Language, Thinking and Mathematics. Two Day Session. North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics Conference: Greensboro,
NC.
Local Presentations and Workshops
Moran, R. & Wood, L. (August, 2021). Reading Strategies: Essential Components of Literacy. Odyssey School, Asheville, N.C.
Jennings L, & Ward, N. (March 2019). Using Tech Tools to Assist in the Reading and Writing Processes. Blue Ridge Literacy Project and Milligan College Teach Read Lead Conference. Johnson
City, TN.
Jennings L. (June 2018). Graham Crackers and Pudding: Using Models and Diagrams to Understand Plate Tectonics
and Mountain Formation. East Tennessee State University STEM Conference. Johnson City, TN.
Jennings L. (June 2018). Teaching for the Future: The Integration of ELA in the Elementary Classroom. East Tennessee State University STEM Conference. Johnson City, TN.
Jennings, L. (June 2018). Conference Organizer for The Gilbreath Summer Literacy Institute. Gilbreath Reading Association: East Tennessee State University. Johnson City, TN.
Jennings, L. (June 2018). The First Fifty days of Reading and Writing Workshop. Gilbreath Reading Association: East Tennessee State University. Johnson City, TN.
Moran, R., Hong, H., & Jennings, L. (July 2016). Adaptive Teaching and Differentiation. Gilbreath Reading Association: East Tennessee State University. Johnson City, TN.
Robertson, L., & Jennings, L. (June 2016). Text Complexity and Forces and Motion in Middle School. Math Science Partnership Professional Development: East Tennessee State University.
Johnson City, TN.
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS IN LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Jennings, L. (January 2018). A Studio Classroom Demonstration of Teaching in Science Literacy for Fourth Grade
and District Administrators. Mount Horeb Elementary School, Jefferson City, TN.
Jennings, L. (May 2017). Differentiation in the Middle School Classroom. Jonesborough Middle School, Jonesborough, TN.
Jennings, L. (August 2013-May 2014). Number Talks: Implementation K-3. Black Mountain Primary School. Black Mountain, NC.
Jennings, L. (June 2013-May 2014). Science Literacy and Experiential Learning: A Case Study of One Elementary School.
Black Mountain Primary and Elementary Schools. Black Mountain, NC.
Jennings, L. (August 2012-May 2013). Have a Heart for Reading: Common Core Standards English Language Arts: Literacy Studio
Classrooms, K-3. Black Mountain Primary School, Black Mountain, NC.
Jennings, L. (August 2012-May 2013). Reader’s Workshop. Black Mountain Elementary School. Black Mountain, NC.
Jennings, L. (August 2012-May 2013). Writer’s Workshop. Black Mountain Elementary and Primary Schools. Black Mountain, NC.
Jennings, L. (August 2010- June 2011). Analyzing Teacher Moves that Orchestrate Student Discourse. Black Mountain Primary School. Black Mountain, NC.
Jennings, L. (February 2010- May 2011). Guided Reading Studio Classrooms. Black Mountain Elementary School. Black Mountain, NC.
Jennings, L. (August 2010- June 2011). Comprehension Strategy Breakfast Bunch. Black Mountain Elementary School. Black Mountain, NC.
Jennings, L. (August 2010-2011). Merging Literacy and Math Book Talk Moodle. Black Mountain Elementary School. Black Mountain, NC.
Jennings, L. (July 2011). Kindergarten Institute: K Our Way. Buncombe County Schools, Asheville, NC.
Jennings, L. (October 2005-December 2005). How’s It Going?: Hosting Great Writing Conferences. Johnston Elementary School. Asheville, NC.
Jennings, L. (January 2006- March 2006). Supporting Struggling Young Readers and Writers. Johnston Elementary School. Asheville, NC.
Jennings, L. (August 2007-March 2007). Lucy Calkins’ Units of Study for Teaching Writing Grades 3-5. Johnston Elementary School. Asheville, NC.
PUBLICATIONS
Refereed Book Chapters
Jennings, L. (Spring, 2022). Teacher decisions about using fan fiction. In Mehdi Khosrow-Pour
(Ed.) Research anthology on fandoms, online social communities, and pop culture. PN: IGI Global Publishing.
Jennings, L. (Fall, 2021). Teacher decisions about using fan fiction to bridge students’
understanding of science. In Haas, L. & Tussey, J., (Eds.). Disciplinary literacy connections to popular culture in K-12 settings. Charlotte, NC: IGI Global Publishing.
Honeycutt, S., Keith, K., Moran, R., Hong, H., & Jennings, J. (2018). Integrating
Literacy. and STEM in a study of the Black Panther. In Eckard, S. (Ed.), Connecting the Dots: Integrating Comics into the Classroom. Lanham, MD: Rowan & Littlefield Publishing.
Hong, Moran, Jennings, Robertson, & Fisher. (2018). Discourse of integrating science
and literacy. In Tai, C. Moran, R., Robertson. L., Keith, K., & Hong, H. (Eds.), Science literacy integration in classroom environments (pp. 12-26). Charlotte, NC: IGI Global.
Jennings, L & Courtney, W. (2018). Water ecology, engineering, and global citizenship:
A science and literacy integrative unit. In Tai, C. Moran, R., Robertson. L., Keith,
K., & Hong, H. (Eds.), Science literacy integration in classroom environments (pp. 246-261). Charlotte, NC: IGI Global.
Keith, K., Jennings, L., & Moran, R. (2017). Coaching as a Grass Roots Effort for
Building Leadership Capacity. In Salika Lawrence, (Ed.), Literacy Program Evaluation and Development Initiatives for P-12 Teaching. Charlotte, NC: IGI Global Publishing. Refereed Journal Publications
Jennings, L. (Spring 2020). Review of the book Facilitating learning with the adult brain in mind by Taylor, K. & Marienau, C. Tennessee Literacy Journal.
Price, J., Lester, L., Knupp, K., Jennings, L., & Dwyer, E. (2019). Making comb-bound
books in the classroom. Reading Matters. 19, 37-39.
Hong, H., Jennings, J. L., Moran, R., Knupp, K., & Dwyer, D. (2018). Engaging activities
for enhancing reading fluency and comprehension. Literacy Issues & Practices, 21(1), 45-60.
Jennings, L. & Dwyer, E.J. (2018). Using text sets to encourage fluency and comprehension.
The Oklahoma Reader. 54(2), 31 – 35.
Moran, R.R., Jennings, L., Fisher, S.J. (2018). Engaging strategies for developing reading
comprehension and fluency. Georgia Journal of reading. 41(2), 24-28.
Fisher, S.J., Jennings, L., Moran, R.R., Hong, H., Knupp, K., & Dwyer, E.J. (2018).
Strategies for learning onsets and rimes. Practical Literacy: The Early and Primary Years. 23(2), 15-17.
Jennings, L., Moran, R.M., Kayla, K., Dwyer, E.J., & Hong, H. (2017). Actively involving
students in building word identification competencies. Illinois Reading Council Journal. 45(4), 12-17.
Moran, R.R., Hong, H., Jennings, L., Knupp, K., and Dwyer, E.J. (2017). Improving
visual memory. Illinois Reading Council Journal, 45(2), 34-35.
Wilton, N., Hong, H., Moran, R., Jennings, L., & Dwyer, E. (2017). Encouraging sight
vocabulary among developing readers. Query, 46(2), 13-15.
Hong, H., Keith, K., Moran, R., & Jennings, L. (2017). Use imagination to bridge children’s
learning of literacy and science: A dialogic approach. Journal of Childhood Studies.42(1),11-22.
Fisher, S., Jennings, L., Moran, R., Hong, H., & Dwyer, E. (2016). Actively engaging
students in enhancing reading comprehension. The Virginia Reader.
Moran, R.R., Jennings, L., Keith, K.J. & Dwyer, E.J. (2015). The country mouse and
the city mouse visit the third grade: Engaging activities for developing reading fluency
and comprehension. The Oklahoma Reader, 51(2), 8-12.
Moran, R., Jennings, L., & Dwyer, E. (2014). Enhancing Learning of Basic Sight Words.
The b New Mexico Journal of Reading.
PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY SERVICE
Scholarship Committee Chair for Literacy Association of Tennessee
Co Chairperson, Chair Elect for Gilbreath Literacy Council
Peer Reviewer for proposals sent to the International Literacy Association.
Peer Reviewer for proposals sent to the Literacy Association of Tennessee.
Member of Clemmer College of Education and Human Development Strategic Planning Diversity
Committee.
Teacher Admission Board Participant, Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary Education
K-5, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN.
Chairperson , Gilbreath Reading Association
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
American Educational Research Association
National Council of Teachers of English
National Science Teachers Association
Literacy Research Association
International Literacy Association
Literacy Association of Tennessee
Gilbreath Literacy Council
GRANT WORK
Mini-Grant with Project Explore, NC Arboretum. (2013). USD $200. Partnership with Kindergarten class and NC Arboretum for a tree study project.
Tai, C. (PI), Starnes, S. (PI), & Keith, K. (Co-PI). (2015-2018). Integrating Science
Learning with Literacy using Informational and Fictional Texts in Grades 6-12. Math
Science Partnership Grant, Tennessee Department of Education; USD $435,597.43. (funded)
Duties included:
* Planning two week summer professional development for 100 eastern Tennessee teachers
plus professional development days in March and October
* Co-Led Middle School English Language Arts Research team effort on grant to collect
qualitative and quantitative data on the impacts of merging science and literacy in
secondary education
Dwyer, E., Barnett, K., Doran, E., Lowery, A., Janaitis, J., Baker, T., Keith, K.,
Moran, R., Huili, H., Jennings, L., Robinson, M. (2014). Encouraging Reading Competencies
and Enhancing Enjoyment of Reading among Interdisciplinary Studies in Education Candidates
and University School Students, $750 (funded).