Rebecca M. Giles

Education

B.S., Elementary Education, Texas State University, San Marcos, 1989
M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Texas at Austin, 1993
Ph.D., Education, University of Southern Mississippi, 1996

Teaching Philosophy

"The past twenty years in higher education has confirmed the belief first instilled as a novice early childhood classroom teacher long ago, that teaching is a challenging and demanding profession requiring tremendous dedication on the teacher’s part in order to be done well. Successfully engaging students in meaningful learning opportunities that incorporate the present standards, reflect the most current research, and model the latest techniques requires thorough planning, advanced preparation, flexibility in delivery, and thoughtful reflection resulting in future modifications. My philosophy of learning is best summarized by Frederick Froebel, the “Father of Kindergarten,” in his 1897 publication The Education of Man “[T]o learn a thing in life and through doing is much more developing, cultivating, and strengthening, than to learn it merely through verbal communication of ideas.” As a result, I attempt to initiate stimulating dialogue and lively discussion related to course topics, incorporate cooperative learning into my lessons, and force students to use available resources, from Internet sites to personal experiences, as they search for possible solutions to complex issues."

Research

Early Childhood, Emerging Literacy, Writing, Visual Arts

Outreach

Dr. Giles regards both professional and community service as integral components of her role and as meaningful opportunities for ongoing learning. She views collaboration and engagement with colleagues as essential to professional growth and as a significant benefit of service activities.

As an active member of several regional and national organizations, she has engaged in extensive exchanges of ideas and best practices with peers across the country, broadening her perspective and deepening her expertise. In fulfilling her service responsibilities, her overarching goal is to expand her own understanding of the profession while contributing her time and expertise to advance and strengthen it as a vital, lifelong endeavor.

Biography

Dr. Giles teaches courses in the graduate Elementary and Early Childhood Education programs as well as the undergraduate Early Childhood Studies program. She has over 30 years teaching experience ranging from pre-kindergarten through higher education and has spoken and published widely on numerous topics related to early education, literacy and teacher preparation. She is the author of A Young Writer's World: Creating Classrooms Where Authors Abound (2020, Exchange Press)