Component 5: PREP to Transform
Project PREP provides:
- Financial support for four years of study
- Yearly conference travel for four years of study
- Mentorship and support from UNF faculty and district leadership
- Opportunities to complete advanced research, policy and professional development training and internships
- Opportunities for financial support of research activities
Eligibility
- PREP scholars are working professionals interested in applied research, professional development and partnership skills
- A Masters of Education or closely related field/degree
- Strong commitment to enhancing education
- Admission to the Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction with a cognate in Educational Leadership or Educational Leadership with a cognate in Curriculum & Instruction at UNF
Current Scholars
Robin Bossinger
Robin Bossinger earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree in education at the University of North Florida. Robin served in a variety of roles in education over the past 17 years in Clay County School District including teaching eight years in a Title I Elementary, serving as a secondary reading coach, district technology coach, and professional learning specialist. She has also served as an Assistant Principal. In her current role as Coordinator of Teacher Support she builds meaningful partnerships between school leaders, new teachers and academic coaches to support those joining the profession. To best support teachers she feels it is valuable to learn all she can and continue her research into best practices, especially in adult learning, coaching and mentoring and pedagogy to put into practice in her professional sphere. As a parent of two students in the community she serves, this calling to be a change agent within the District is personal as well. She is excited to be a Project Prep Scholar and looks forward to how this new learning will shape the experience for herself and those she is able to support for years to come.
Stephanie Clemons-Kirby
As a Chicago native, Stephanie started her pursuit in education as a Boilermaker at Purdue University. She quickly became a decorated Osprey from the University of North Florida where she obtained her Bachelors in Elementary Education and a MEd in ESOL. Stephanie has worked for 10 years in elementary special education, as both a Behavior Health Specialist and as a self-contained educator working with students on the Autism Spectrum. Her research interest is building the bridge between students with Autism and their transition from a self-contained classroom to a general education environment. She believed she could and now she can, thanks to Project PREP.
Mallory McConnell
Mallory McConnell has worked over 15 years as a teacher and school administrator. She is a graduate of Stetson University earning her Bachelor of Music and earned her Master’s in Educational Leadership and Specialist of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of West Florida. Mallory’s classroom experience includes teaching 6th-12th grades before starting her leadership career. In her role as a school Principal for the last 9 years, she worked to increase instructional opportunities that challenged learners and supported teachers. Mallory believes in working alongside teachers to enhance quality instruction through professional learning communities focused on analyzing data to make informed instructional decisions. Mallory is extremely passionate about supporting teachers at ALL levels of their professional journey. Mallory is honored to be a Project PREP scholar at the University of North Florida.
Shaundricka Medlock
Shaundricka Medlock is a second-year doctoral student in the Curriculum and Instruction program at the University of North Florida. She earned her bachelor's degree from The University of Louisiana at Monroe and her master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University in Elementary Education. Currently, she coordinates internships and works alongside mentor teachers in Clay County District Schools as well as supervises elementary education teacher candidates as a Resident Clinical Faculty member at UNF. Shaundricka’s research interest is in the area of clinical practice, supervision, and inquiry with student interns during their field experience. She is excited to be a part of Project PREP and the opportunity to contribute to the education profession.
Melissa (Missy) Metz
Melissa (Missy) Metz is a doctoral student in Educational Leadership at the University of North Florida. She has a B.A. in Special Education and an M. Ed. in Educational Leadership, both from the University of North Florida. Missy is an accomplished education professional with a career spanning over 18 years. Her experience encompasses various roles, including classroom teacher, instructional coach, curriculum specialist, and school-based administration. With over 6 years as a principal, Missy has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a profound commitment to student success. Through her strategic guidance and innovative approaches, she has elevated student achievement in those schools.
Tiffany Outman
Tiffany Outman is currently a doctoral student and devoted educator with 25 years of experience serving the scholars and families in Clay County. She is a graduate of the University of North Florida earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She attained her National Board Teaching Certification in 2005, completed the Dr. Brian Dassler Leadership Academy in 2017, and National Institute of School Leaders in 2023. Tiffany has classroom experience in elementary grades before moving into leadership as an Assistant Principal, then Principal. These experiences solidified her passion for leading learning organizations that create spaces where children flourish by providing them with learning opportunities that meet their academic and social needs. In creating these spaces, Tiffany proudly brings the motto of Work Hard, Be Kind to each new opportunity.
Heather Teto
Heather Teto is the Chief of Elementary Education in Clay County District Schools. With a passion for increasing student achievement, she has dedicated her 26 year career to fostering a positive and nurturing learning environment for young minds to learn and grow. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Visual Impairments from Florida State University, a Master of Education degree from Lesley University and a certification in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida. Heather is a first-year doctoral student in the Curriculum and Instruction program. Her research will center on creating systems change focused on increasing teacher efficacy through the use of evidence based practices and supports.