Deborah Baxter

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS

1. Olsen, Edward B., Wyant, James D., Tsuda, Emi, Laughlin, Michael K., & Baxter, Deborah S. (2024). Integrating edTPA into Physical Education Teacher Education: Teacher Educators’ Perceptions and Experiences in Preparing Teacher Candidates. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2023-0191.
2. The Use of High-Impact Practices to Enhance Student Learning and Retention: The Case of Kennesaw State University’s Wellstar College of Health and Human Services (In Review)
3. Baxter, D., & Goldfine, B. An Alternative Model for Physical Education Teacher Education Majors. (In Review)
4. Wade-Berg, J. A., Baxter, D., Wright, L. S., Porter, K., Dyess, S., & Swahn, M. (2023). Designing an Innovative Ecosystem for Student Success: Kennesaw State University Wellstar College of Health and Human Services’ Conceptual Model. Journal of Higher Education Theory & Practice, 23(9).
5. Baxter, Deborah S., & Sinelnikov. Oleg A.. (2021). PETE Faculty’s Perspectives of edTPA: The Range of Change. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2020-0133.
6. Baxter, Deborah S., & Sinelnikov. Oleg A.. (2021). Jack and Jill Went to Instill: Did the Educative Teacher Performance Assessment Cause Them to Falter?. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2020-0135.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS / ACTIVITIES

• Spring 2019-2022: edTPA Physical Education Scorer
• 2008-2019: National Boards Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Physical Education Scorer
• 2007-2015: Physical Education Teacher, Cedar Ridge Middle School, Decatur, AL
• 2005-2006: Physical Education Instructor, Maercker School District 60, Westmont, IL
• 2003-2005: Physical Education Instructor, Minooka CCSD #201, Minooka, IL

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

As an assistant professor in sport pedagogy, Dr. Baxter believes in fostering a student-centered learning environment that emphasizes mastery of content and skills through active engagement. Her experience scoring edTPA has deepened her understanding of the critical role assessment plays in student growth, and she strives to create formative learning experiences that align with these principles. She employs a hands-on, interactive approach that encourages students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, building their confidence and competence as future educators. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that all students can achieve excellence when supported through thoughtful instruction, reflection, and practice.

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Deborah Baxter is a 2020 PhD alum from The University of Alabama where she had the privilege and opportunity to teach PETE undergraduate students as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. She has extensive experience in scoring high-stakes assessment portfolios for both the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS; 11 years) and edTPA (three years), as well as a developed line of research in teacher preparation in interdisciplinary teaching, technology, and assessment; edTPA implementation; and undergraduate student success. Over the past four years in academia, Dr. Baxter has developed core competencies in curriculum development, program coordination, and academic advising. Roll Tide!