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 Simpson is an accomplished leader in instructional design and quality assurance, currently serving as the Director of Instructional Design and Quality Control in Digital Learning at Arizona State University’s EdPlus. With over two decades of experience in K–12 and higher education, she has cultivated a career rooted in academic excellence, program development, and faculty empowerment.

Dr. Simpson has led large-scale curriculum and quality assurance initiatives across institutions, including roles as Program Director and Associate Professor at United States University, Director of Academic Programs at Grand Canyon University, and Urban Education Director at Kennesaw State University. Her expertise includes designing and implementing comprehensive quality frameworks, leading accreditation efforts (WASC, CAEP, HLC), and managing cross-functional teams to enhance online course accessibility, instructional design, and student engagement.

A prolific scholar and speaker, Dr. Simpson has contributed to national conferences and journals on topics ranging from gifted education to critical literacy. She is the co-author of multiple books including Understanding Gifted Adolescents and Sexual Content in Young Adult Literature: Reading Between the Sheets. She has also received numerous honors, including the Arizona School Administrators Outstanding Research Award and recognition as an AP Teacher Fellow by The College Board.

Her commitment to service spans local and national organizations. She has served on editorial boards, curriculum councils, and equity committees, and continues to consult for school districts on gifted education. Dr. Simpson holds an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership, multiple teaching credentials, and a passion for elevating educational outcomes through innovation and inclusivity.

Education

2013 Ed.D. Organizational Leadership, Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ.
2007 Gifted Endorsement K-12, Chapman University, Orange, CA.
2006 AP Language & Lit Certificate, The College Board/University of San Diego, San Diego, CA.
2006 M.A. Teaching, Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ.
2006 Structured English Immersion Endorsement, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ.
2004 B.A. Secondary Education: English, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ.

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>

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>
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>
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>
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>
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>
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>
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, 2014 – Present
Current Issues in Middle Level Education, journal from the National Association of Professors of Middle Level Education (NAPMLE), Editor & Review Board, 2013 – Present

Professional Associations

ASCD – Member, 2006 – present
AZ ASCD – Executive Director, 2014 – 2017
NCTE – Member, 2004 - present
ALAN – Member, 2004 – present, Board of Reviewers, 2013 – present
NAGC – Member, 2006- present, Diversity & Equity Committee, 2014 – present
SENG – Member, 2006 - present
ILA – Member, 2010 – present

Service

UNIVERSITY SERVICE

Student Retention Committee, COE Rep: 2021 – 2023 – United States University
University Council, COE Rep: 2021 – 2025 – United States University
Satisfactory Academic Process Committee, COE Rep: 2021- 2025 – United States University
COE Curriculum Committee, Chair: 2021 – 2025 – United States University
Program Senate Executive Committee, Chair: 2014 – 2017 – Grand Canyon University
Academic Affairs Committee, COE Rep: 2014 – 2017, Grand Canyon University
Gifted Endorsement Coordinator: 2012 – 2014 Kennesaw State University
Faculty Senate, SMGE Rep: 2012 – 2014 – Kennesaw State University
Urban Education Middle Grades Director: 2012 – 2014 – Kennesaw State University
Conference on Literature for Children & Young Adults - 2012 – 2014 – Kennesaw State University

THE PROFESSION

California Teaching Commission- Program Reviewer – 2023 - 2025
Arizona Dept of Education – Program Reviewer – 2017 - current
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 ALAN Review, journal from the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents, Editor & Review Board, 2014 – Present
Current Issues in Middle Level Education, journal from the National Association of Professors of Middle Level Education (NAPMLE), Editor & Review Board, 2013 – Present

THE COMMUNITY

Site Council, Apache Elementary School, 2020 - current
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