The Department of Educational Psychology & Counseling is pleased to announce newest faculty member, Patricia Higgins. Dr. Higgins will serve as Clinical Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for the Master’s in Educational Psychology degree beginning June 1, 2022.

Dr. Higgins joins the department with a twenty-year background in International Education. She most recently served as the International Admissions Specialist for Pellissippi State Community College and as Adjunct Instructor for the University of Tennessee Department of Educational Psychology & Counseling.

Dr. Higgins earned a PhD in Educational Psychology and a Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research Methods in Education from the University of Tennessee in 2019. Additionally, she holds certification in English Language Teaching Leadership Management from TESOL and was awarded the Friends of Educational Psychology & Counseling Research Grant in 2019.

Upon the distinguished retirement this summer of current Ed Psych Online Co-Coordinator, Dr. Cathy Hammon, Dr. Higgins will assume the role of Ed Psych Online Co-Coordinator.

Dr. Higgins is passionate about applying her extensive experience and research to the EdPsych Online graduate program at the University of Tennessee.

Dr. Higgins lives in East Tennessee with her partner, Matthew, and fur-kids. She enjoys gardening for pollinators, watching classic films, and soaking in the beautiful East Tennessee outdoors.

The Department of Educational Psychology & Counseling is honored to gain Dr. Patricia Higgins on its team.

Follow EPC on social media for more news and information!

Spring Registration has begun. Have you considered these Online EDPY courses?

These Educational Psychology courses make excellent electives in a variety of career paths, such as business, social sciences, medical training, and psychology — and, they are conveniently online!

For more information on the full Ed Psych Online Masters program offered by the Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling, click here.

EDPY 506 – Intro to Educational Research (2 sections) – Wednesdays, 5:05pm – 7:45pm OR Thursdays, 5:05pm – 7:45pm. Taught online, synchronously. Contact mary-hammon@utk.edu to be added.

• Quantitative & Qualitative Research Skills.
• Analyzing scholarly research.
• Developing research plans

EDPY 524 – Learning in the Workplace – Tuesdays, 5:05pm – 7:45pm. Taught online, synchronously. Contact mary-hammon@utk.edu to be added.

• Theories on formal and informal learning in the workplace.
• Major trends in facilitating workplace learning.

EDPY 537 – Assessment in Applied Ed Psych – Mondays, 5:05pm – 7:05pm. Taught online, synchronously. Contact mary-hammon@utk.edu to be added.

• Survey of standardized tests of intelligence, achievement, aptitude, vocational interest, attitudes, and personality.
• Principles of test construction and analysis.

For more news, events, and EPC happenings, follow the Department of Educational Psychology & Counseling on social media!

Applied Educational Psychology

Ashlee earned an MS with the Applied Educational Psychology program in 2018 and currently lives in Fayetteville, TN. We asked her to reflect on past experiences with EPC and discuss where she’s at now. Read her responses below.

Current Occupation

General Education Teacher
Ralph Askins Elementary-Fayetteville City Schools

Currently, I am teaching 4th grade English language arts and social studies. I have been teaching for nine years in grades 1, 2, and 4.

Accomplishments Since Graduating

Although small to some, my greatest accomplishment was becoming a more successful teacher. Initially, I wanted to go through the EdPsych Online program to enhance my teaching/teaching style. Throughout my experiences, I have done just that. I have become a more competent and confident teacher who exhibits improved teacher self-efficacy. I find myself taking on more leadership roles and taking more instructional risks to create engaging and beneficial lessons. Also, I have challenged myself to teach to as many learning styles as I can.

Personal Interests

Being a teacher and mother, I find that I do not have time for many hobbies. However, I do love to spend time traveling and outdoor activities. Visiting the beach is a favorite! We also love UT football!

My husband and I enjoying searching for unique antiques. I love cooking and trying new foods. We are avid readers in our home as well.

What do you think was the most rewarding/challenging about this program?

For me, I believe my co-learners and professors were the most rewarding part of the program. They are some of the most hard working and compassionate people I have ever met. I believe to have found some lifelong friends along the way. Being an online program, many may find that hard to believe, but it is true. We watched each other “grow” throughout the program. We shared our triumphs, as well as hardships. We helped each other through coursework and learned to rely and trust people that we may or may not ever meet in person. Being a student who lived 4 hours from campus, this meant so much! I always felt connected, which I understand can be difficult for any online program. This particular program put much effort into making it a positive experience.

What would you tell an incoming/current student in the program/department?

“You can do it!” I knew going into a graduate program it would be difficult to juggle my work, family, and coursework. However, with organizing and some planning on my part, I was able to manage everything. I would also tell an incoming student to not be shy about reaching out to the professors and other students. Making connections is a vital part of this experience.

How did your experiences as a student help you in your professional/personal life after graduation?

I wanted to become a better teacher and I have done just that. I know that I am much more confident than I ever was before. The classwork and projects pushed me out of my comfort zone. Just last year I co-led a presentation on teacher mindset to my faculty. I would have never been able to do that before this program. The assignments challenged me and definitely pushed me into becoming a whole new teacher.

Faculty, students, and staff are invited to attend a free Innovative Educators webinar titled “Dealing with Difficult and Disruptive Students in Online Classes” on Tuesday, October 2 from 1-2:15 p.m. If you are interested in attending the webinar or accessing the recording, please email Ms. Kristen Fowler at kfowle24@vols.utk.edu with the subject line EPC Webinar. Following vendor guidelines, Ms. Fowler will send the link to everyone who has contacted her a week prior to the event, then a week after the event she will send out a link to the recording – which will be accessible for a year.

This webinar is hosted by the Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling’s Instructional Technology (IT Online), EdPsych Online, and Learning, Design, and Technology programs. For more information about the webinar, check out the Innovative Educators website.