Joanna Simpson

Joanna Simpson

Director of Instructional Design, Quality Assurance,
EdPlus at ASU
  • [email protected]
  • 1365 N. Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, AZ 85257
  • Mail code: 9508
    Campus: Scottsdale
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Long Bio

Dr. Joanna Denise Simpson is the Director of Instructional Design and Quality Assurance at EdPlus within Arizona State University, where she provides strategic leadership for online course quality, accessibility, and continuous improvement at scale. With nearly three decades of experience across K12 and higher education, she is recognized for building sustainable quality frameworks, leading complex academic initiatives, and aligning instructional design with institutional and operational goals.

At ASU, Dr. Simpson leads enterprise level quality assurance and instructional design strategy for digital learning, overseeing cross functional teams of instructional designers, quality specialists, and their leaders. Her work includes the development and implementation of comprehensive QA frameworks, large scale course and program reviews, as well as training, and compliance with accessibility and accreditation standards. She leverages data, student feedback, and emerging technologies to drive measurable improvements in instructional quality and learner engagement.

Dr. Simpson brings deep expertise in curriculum design, accreditation, operations, and program development, having led and supported accreditation and approval efforts across multiple regulatory and professional bodies. She has managed large teams, complex portfolios of academic programs, and institution-wide communication and governance processes, consistently delivering outcomes in high-growth and highly regulated environments.

A published scholar and national speaker, Dr. Simpson is the co-author of multiple books and has contributed extensively to peer-reviewed journals and conferences on topics including instructional quality, gifted education, literacy, and equity. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Arizona School Administrators Outstanding Research Award, designation as a College Board Fellow, and multiple research grant awards.

Dr. Simpson holds an EdD in Organizational Leadership and multiple teaching credentials in Arizona, Georgia, and California. Her leadership is grounded in a commitment to academic excellence, inclusive design, and scalable systems that elevate teaching and learning across large and diverse educational ecosystems.

Education
  • 2013 Ed.D. Organizational Leadership: Instructional Leadership, Grand Canyon University
  • 2007 Gifted Endorsement K-12, Chapman University
  • 2006 AP Language & Lit Certificate, The College Board/University of San Diego
  • 2006 M.A. Teaching, Grand Canyon University
  • 2006 Structured English Immersion Endorsement, Arizona State University
  • 2004 B.A. Secondary Education: English, Arizona State University
CV
Curriculum Vitae
Research Interests

My research interests center on the intersection of literacy, equity, and gifted education, with a particular focus on marginalized youth. My scholarship explores how adolescents engage with complex and controversial content in young adult literature, how literacy can be used to empower gifted learners, and how socio-emotional and identity development intersect with academic success. I have also contributed to the fields of culturally relevant pedagogy, differentiated instruction, and teacher preparation, especially in urban and online learning environments. Through both qualitative inquiry and practitioner-focused work, I advocate for inclusive, critically aware educational practices that honor the diverse needs and voices of all learners.

Research Group

National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Equity & Diversity Committee, 2015 - present

Publications

Creative Writing

  • Simpson, J. (2014). Questions. Literacy and Social Responsibility, a SIG from the International Literacy Association. Poem. Volume 7(1). ISSN 2305-963X. <http://www.csulb.edu/misc/l-sr/ejournal/issues/issues-index.html&gt;

Research Articles

  • Simpson, J. (2013). A case study of enrichment seminar and the socioemotional needs of gifted students. (Doctoral dissertation). ProQuest. (UMI No. 3552235). <http://gradworks.umi.com/35/52/3552235.html&gt;

  • Simpson, J. & Bragg, K. (2013). Advisory programs: Improving the socioemotional needs of gifted teens. SENGVine Issue 104. <http://www.sengifted.org/archives/articles/advisory-programs-improving-…;

  • Simpson, J. (2014). Enrichment seminar and the socioemotional needs of adolescents. International Journal for Education, Innovation, and Research, 2(1), 14-29. <http://www.ijier.net/assets/ijier.net-vol-2-no-1-manuscript-no-3.pdf&gt;

  • Bogan, B. & Simpson, J. (2014). Using the common core: Differentiating a middle grades reading standard. International Journal for Innovation, Education, and Research, 2(2), 68-74.  <http://www.ijier.net/assets/using-the-common-core-differentiating-a-mid…;

  • Simpson, J. (2014). Enrichment seminar: A middle/secondary course for gifted learners. Teaching for Higher Potential. Summer. Pgs 8-10. Journal from the National Association for Gifted Children. <http://www.nagc.org/sites/default/files/THP_Summer_2014.pdf&gt;

  • Simpson, J. (2014). Crossing theories – the intersection of identity theory and social identity theory in marginalized gifted youth. International Conference on Urban Education, Montego Bay, Jamaica. Paper published in proceedings.

  • Hubbard, D., Simpson, J, & Salyer, B. (2014). Urban Education in the Suburbs: A 5-year Study. Presented at the International Conference on Urban Education, Montego Bay, Jamaica. Paper published in proceedings.

  • Simpson, J, & Hensel, M. (2014). Facilitating Critical Literacy Competence in Pre-Service Teachers. Presented at the International Conference on Urban Education, Montego Bay, Jamaica. Paper published in proceedings.

  • Simpson, J. (2015). A Case Study on Enrichment Seminar and Gifted Adolescents. Gifted and Talented International, 29 (2), 63-73. <http://www.world-gifted.org/Publications/GnTI-Journal&gt;

  • Simpson, J. & Bogan, B. (2015). Searching for a Common Language on Differentiated Instruction. American Research Institute, 4(2), pp  34-40. <http://jehdnet.com/journals/jehd/Vol_4_No_2_June_2015/4.pdf&gt;

  • Simpson, J, & Adams, M. (2015). Accepting the Exceptional: Marginalized Gifted Youth. International Conference on Education, Chicago, IL. Paper published in the Journal of Modern Education Review. ISSN: 2155-7993.

Books

  • Gillis, B. & Simpson, J. (2015). Sexual content in young adult literature: Reading between the sheets. Scarecrow Press. Washington, DC. ISBN: 978-1-4422-4687-4

  • Simpson, J. & Adams, M. (2015). Understanding Gifted Adolescents: Accepting the Exceptional.  Lexington Books. Lanham, MD. ISBN: 978-0-7391-4131-1

  • Simpson, J. (2017) Literacy & the gifted. In Adams, Rodriguez, and Zimmer. Editor (Eds.),  Culturally relevant teaching: Preparing teachers to include all learners. Rowman & Littlefield. Lanham, MD. ISBN: 978-1475834796

Digital/Video Contributions

  • Simpson, J. (2013). Literacy in Online Environments. (Video), Available via Kennesaw State University’s MOOC: K-12 Blended & Online Learning. Organized by Dr. Anissa Vega. <http://mooc.kennesaw.edu/courses/k12_online_blended_learning.php&gt;

  • Simpson, J. (2014). How to Understand the Socioemotional Needs of Your Gifted Teenager. Expert Beacon. <https://expertbeacon.com/how-understand-socioemotional-needs-your-gifted-teenager/#.VAnvPvldXAQ>

  • Simpson, J. (2015). Assessments and Data Literacy. Custom Course Content for Teaching in Purple. Grand Canyon University. Phoenix, AZ.
Research Activity

PRESENTATIONS/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GIVEN

  • Simpson, J. (2013, April). Enrichment Seminar as a Curricular Model for Secondary Gifted Students. Presentation delivered at Grand Canyon University’s Emerging Scholar Practitioners’ Conference, Atlanta, GA.

  • Simpson, J. (2013, June). A Study on Gifted Curriculum in AZ. Presentation delivered at Arizona School Administrators' State Summer Conference, Imagine the Possibilities, Tucson, AZ.

  • Simpson, J. (2013, July). Serving the Socioemotional Needs of Gifted Adolescents Through Enrichment Seminar. Social and Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) National Conference, Orlando, FL.

  • Gillis, B. & Simpson, J. (2013, November). Making a Case for Controversial YA Literature. Presented at the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents (ALAN) National Conference, Boston, MA.

  • Bogan, B. & Simpson, J. (2013, November). Differentiation for Middle/Secondary Reading Using the Common Core. Presented at the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) National Conference, Boston, MA.

  • Simpson, J. (2014, February). Teaching Gifted ELL Students in Urban Settings. Presented at KSU's 13th Annual ESOL Conference. Kennesaw, GA.

  • Simpson, J. (2014, March). Taking a Critical Stance with YA Lit: Developing Multilateral Acceptance & Understanding. Presented at KSU's 23rd Annual Conference on Literature for Children & Young Adults. Kennesaw, GA.

  • Bogan, B. & Simpson, J. (2014, March). Differentiated Instruction: Incorporating Theory with Practicality for Middle Grades Reading/ELA Teachers. Presented at KSU's 23rd Annual Conference on Literature for Children & Young Adults. Kennesaw, GA.

  • Simpson, J. & Hensel, M. (2014, April). Facilitating Critical Literacy Competence in Pre-Service Teachers Placed in Urban Schools. Presented at the 9th Annual Sources of Urban Educational Excellence State Conference. Atlanta, GA.

  • Simpson, J. (2014, May). Crossing theories – the intersection of identity theory and social identity theory in marginalized gifted youth. Presented at the Tenth International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry.  Champaign-Urbana, IL.

  • Simpson, J. (2014, October). Facilitating Critical Literacy Competence in Gifted Adolescents. Southeastern Regional Association of Teacher Educators. Charleston, SC.

  •  Simpson, J. (2014, October). Facilitating Critical Literacy Competence in Pre-Service Urban Education Teachers. Southeastern Regional Association of Teacher Educators. Charleston, SC. 

  • Simpson, J. & Hensel, M. (2014, October). Engaging Minds: Critical Literacy With Urban Education Teachers from Suburban Schools.  Presented at the National Association of Holmes Scholars Alumni. Charleston, SC. 

  • Simpson, J. (2014, November). Literacy Strategies for Gifted Adolescents. Presented at the 41st Annual Conference for Middle Level Education. Nashville, TN. 

  • Simpson, J. (2014, November). Crossing theories – the intersection of identity theory and social identity theory in marginalized gifted youth. Presented at the International Conference on Urban Education, Montego Bay, Jamaica. 

  • Hubbard, D., Simpson, J., & Salyer, B. (2014, November). Urban Education in the Suburbs: A 5-year Study. Presented at the International Conference on Urban Education, Montego Bay, Jamaica. 

  • Simpson, J, & Hensel, M. (2014, November). Facilitating Critical Literacy Competence in Pre-Service Teachers Presented at International Conference on Urban Education, Montego Bay, Jamaica. 

  • Simpson, J, & Adams, M. (2015, May) Marginalized Gifted Youth. International Conference on Education, Chicago, IL. 

  • Simpson, J.  (2015, June). Mentoring Teachers and Administrators. Voices of Success, AZ ASCD, Phoenix, AZ. 

  • Simpson, J. & Gaudiano, L. (2017, May) COE Faculty perceptions of the influence of centralized curriculum on instruction and academic freedom. Presented at the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, Champaign-Urbana, IL.

  • Wardlow, R. & Simpson, J. (2022, July) Teacher Prep: Pivoting for COVID-19. 29th International Conference on Learning. Valencia, Spain.

  • Simpson, J. & Wardlow, W. (2023, April). Supervising Online Effectively: Post-COVID. 2023 WASC Senior College and University Commission Accreditation Resource Conference. Garden Grove, CA.

  • Simpson, J. & Bragg, K. (2024, March). Breaking Down Barriers in Educational Placements. Association of Teacher Education 2024 Conference. Anaheim, CA. 

GRANTS 

  • Simpson, J. (2006). The College Board, AP Teachers in Urban Areas  Grant, Phoenix Union High School, $1000

  • Simpson, J. & Williams, D. (2012). Teacher Quality Partnership Grant, KSU, $9 million

  • Simpson, J. (2013). Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching, GCU Scholarly Engagement Grant, $1250

  • Simpson, J. & Bogan, B.  (2013). Bagwell College of Education Research/Scholarship Award, KSU, $2250.

  • Simpson, J. (2014). Bagwell College of Education End of Year Funding Award, KSU, $1000.

  • Simpson, J. (2014). Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching, GCU Scholarly Engagement Grant, $1250

  • Simpson, J. (2015). Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching, GCU Scholarly Engagement Grant, $1250

  • Simpson, J. (2017). Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching, GCU Scholarly Engagement Grant, $1250

Honors / Awards

SMART Mentor/Leader Award, 2004, PUHSD, Phoenix, AZ

  • Awarded to the teacher who has been an exceptional mentor to other teachers and has participated in the SMART mentoring program for students

Professional Learning Community Leader Award, 2005, PUHSD, Phoenix, AZ

  • Awarded to the Professional Learning Community leader for exceptional service, voted on by the staff and faculty

Advanced Placement Teacher Fellow, 2006, The College Board, San Diego, CA

  • Awarded by the College Board to attend AP Language teacher training for attempting to increase the diversity in AP courses in PUHSD

Arizona School Administrators Outstanding Research Award, 2013, AZSA, Tucson, AZ

  • Awarded for my dissertation on curricular programs that have a positive socio-emotional influence on gifted students in the state of Arizona
Editorships
  • The ALAN Review, journal from the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents, Editor & Review Board, 2012 – 2016
  • Current Issues in Middle Level Education, journal from the National Association of Professors of Middle Level Education (NAPMLE), Editor & Review Board, 2013 – 2016
Professional Associations

  • ASCD – Member, 2006 – present

  • AZ ASCD – Executive Director, 2014 – 2017

  • NCTE – Member, 2004 - present

  • ALAN – Member, 2004 – present, Board of Reviewers, 2013 – 2017

  • NAGC – Member, 2006- present, Diversity & Equity Committee, 2014 – present

  • SENG – Member, 2006 - present

  • ILA – Member, 2010 – present

Service

UNIVERSITY SERVICE

  • Global ID Community of Practice, 2026 - current
  • Academic Integrity Officer, EdPlus, 2024 - current

THE PROFESSION

  • Arizona Dept of Education – Program Reviewer – 2017 - 2025
  • Arizona ASCD- Executive Director, 2015 –2017
  • ASCD – Influence Leader, 2015 - 2016
  • Arizona Dept of Education Educator Preparation Program Approval Project, 2014 – 2017, 2022-2025
  • National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Equity & Diversity Committee, 2015 - present

THE COMMUNITY

  • Site Council, Apache Elementary School, 2020 - 2024
  • Gifted Program Consultant, Peoria Unified School District, 2017 - current
  • The Education Coalition, member, 2015- 2017
  • Arizona Business and Education Coalition, member, 2015-2017
  • National Scholastic Press Association, Board of Judges: 2009 – 2015
  • Associated Collegiate Press, Board of Judges: 2009 - 2015
  • Pearson Education, NES, Professional Gifted Educator Test Developer, 2013-2014
  • Kennesaw Mountain Writing Project, in Association with the National Writing Project,  Literacy Coach: 2012-2013
Expertise Areas
Assessments, Tests, and Evaluation in Education
Curriculum Design
Design and Design Thinking in Education
Diverse Learners and Educational Equity
Gifted Education
Identity Development
Literacy
Online Education: Online Teaching and Learning
Operations Management
Operations Strategy
Organizational Leadership
Qualitative Methods
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Social and Emotional Development
Teaching and Teacher Education
Urban Education
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