DiAnn McDown, Ed.D.
Professor
About
DiAnn McDown, Ed.D., currently serves as an associate professor in the Curriculum and Instruction Department. As part of the elementary education program at UCO, she teaches, advises and mentors elementary education and early childhood majors in the area of reading and literacy instruction. DiAnn completed her bachelor's and masters' degrees at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma. After teaching 12 years in public schools, she worked as a doctoral teaching and research assistant at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, while completing her doctoral studies. In 2011, after completing her doctorate in reading/literacy, she joined the teacher education faculty at the University of Central Oklahoma.
Classes Taught
- Assessment and Intervention of Reading K-3 ELED 4263/5263
- Language Arts and Multicultural Literature ELED 4283/5283
- Teaching Reading in the Primary Grades ELED 4063/5063
- Literature Based Language Arts ELED 5223
Education and Certifications
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Ed.D. Education, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas
2011 Emphasis Area: Reading and Literacy
M.Ed. Education, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, Oklahoma
1997 Emphasis Area: Elementary Education
B.S. Recreation, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, Oklahoma
1991 Emphasis Area: Recreation Leadership
CERTIFICATION AREAS
Elementary Education, K-8 Oklahoma State Department of Education
Mild-Moderate Disabilities, PK-12 Oklahoma State Department of Education
Middle School Language Arts Oklahoma State Department of Education
Experience
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Aug. 2018-present Associate Professor, College of Education & Professional Studies,
University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma
Aug. 2011-2017 Assistant Professor, College of Education & Professional Studies,
University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma
Jan. 2008-May 2011 Doctoral Teaching and Research Assistant, College of Education,
Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas
Jan. 1996-Dec. 2007 Public School Teacher, Clinton Public Schools, Clinton, Oklahoma
Alternative School k-12, elementary grades 1-4, Gifted & Talented
Grade 4, Title I Reading & Literacy Coach Grades 2-4
Honors and Awards
- Academic Leadership Fellows Academy, 2020-2021
- UCO Grant Scholars Award, Academic Years 2012-13, 2013-14
- Outstanding Students in Language, Literacy & Special Populations Reading Doctoral Scholarships-Sam Houston State University, 2008-2011
Interests
In her free time, DiAnn enjoys the outdoors, working in her gardens, spending time at the beach, lake, or pretty much anywhere she can enjoy nature. She also enjoys reading, music, crafting, community theatre, and mostly, spending time with family and spoiling her grandkids.
Teaching Philosophy
In all my teaching experiences, regardless of age, I have strived to encourage students to be critical thinkers. I firmly believe well-prepared teachers who can think for themselves are able to handle any teaching assignment, regardless of the challenges. I am appreciative of those handful of educators from my past who both encouraged and challenged me, and am passionate to support the next generation of educators.
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