Dr Lisa Beckham teaches in the Educational Leadership program for Master’s and Educational Specialist degrees, serves as the internal editor and committee member for doctoral students during the dissertation writing process, and chairs doctoral dissertation committees. Her passion in teaching is building capacity in educators to be leaders to strengthen and change education to be the level playing field it can be. Another special interest is assisting doctoral students in scholarly writing because communication is critical to effecting change. Dr. Beckham previously served in P-12 education for 34 years as an English Language Arts teacher and district leader.
Dr. Beckham’s research interests include professional relationships and leadership, professional learning and performance assessment connections, and equity through character, communication, and restorative practice.
As a leader, she stays abreast of the P-12 education field serving on the boards of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) and the Alabama Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development(AASCD), and coaches school administrators to find solutions to job and personal challenges.
Degrees and Certifications
- EdD, Samford University
- EdS, Samford University
- Educational Leadership Certificate, Samford University
- MA Secondary Education-English Language Arts, University of Alabama at Birmingham
- BS Secondary Education-English Language Arts, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Awards and Honors
- 2017 graduate of Learning Forward Instructional Coaching Academy
- 2015 Samford University Learning for Life Award
- 2000 graduate of Learning Forward Professional Learning Academy
Involvement
- Board member of Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)
- Treasurer and awards committee chair for the Alabama Association for Curriculum Development and Supervision (AASCD)
- Trial secretary for Jefferson-St. Clair County Schutzhund Association
- Treasurer for Central Alabama Schutzhund Association
- Challenge Member of the Samford Legacy League
Publications
- Yakimowski M. E., Beckham, L. L., & Gotch, C. (Pending publication, 2024).Embedded Assessment Practices for School Improvement. Routledge.
- Scarborough, K. Kennedy, H, & Beckham, L. L. (2024). What Do You Mean By That?: Preservice teachers’ definitions of diverse learners. Submitted for publication.
- The Committed Leader (In progress).
