About
Staff
David Scanga, Ed.D.
Director and Endowed Chair of Education Innovation
Email: scanga@usf.edu
Dr. David Scanga is the Director and Endowed Chair of Education Innovation of the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching. He holds a doctorate (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of South Florida and a Master of Arts in School Psychology from the University of Indiana in Pennsylvania. He has served in diverse roles, including student services, both school and district administration, and taught various university courses in educational leadership. Over his career, he has worked in rural and urban education settings in the United States and internationally. Dr. Scanga has presented at numerous state and national conferences on topics related to inclusionary practices, strengths-based leadership, and ways to support school principals.
Dr. Scanga’s passion for learning aligns with the mission of advancing the teaching profession of the David C. Anchin Center. A continuous search for a new spirit of teaching and learning is needed to prepare educators to equip students for a rapidly changing world. Both systems and networking thinking are dominant themes in his research. Today’s educational organizations must be flexible, responsive, and networked. Robust organizations are affiliated organizations that enable adaptation to the changing dynamics of a globalized world.
The core beliefs of the David C. Anchin Center are focused on providing all students access to excellent teachers and rich educational experiences. This is accomplished through ongoing professional development that enhances the skills and abilities of teachers, so students are provided with an equitable learning opportunity to learn and succeed.
Rachel Hatten, Ph.D.
Associate Director
Director of Professional Learning
Email: rachelhatten@usf.edu
Dr. Rachel Hatten is the Associate Director in the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching. She holds a Ph.D. in Critical Literacy and English Education and a Master of Arts in Literacy Education, both from the University of Minnesota. Her research focuses on sociocultural theory and detracking efforts in privileged classroom spaces. As a practicing teacher, Dr. Hatten has presented at national and international conferences and led numerous professional development workshops related to her work in literacy, equity, and best practices in instruction.
Prior to joining the Anchin Center, Dr. Hatten led literacy curriculum, instruction, and assessment for Pasco County Schools as the Senior Instructional Specialist for Literacy. In this role, she was responsible for writing and delivering professional development to teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators related to best practices in literacy instruction and intervention. She also wrote curriculum, made recommendations to the Superintendent’s Senior Staff, and made plans for literacy development in response to district- and school-wide data systems. Dr. Hatten is also a former Literacy Coach, Racial Equity Coach, and high school English teacher, roles she served in for thirteen years in Minnesota prior to moving to Florida.
Justice Palavra
Associate Director of MESA
Email: jthornton1@usf.edu
Ms. Justice Palavra is the Associate Director of the Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) program. Palavra oversees the advancement of the MESA program in the Suncoast Area School Districts. The MESA program focuses on increasing underrepresented students' participation in STEM education and career pathways.
Palavra is passionate about providing equitable opportunities for students to innovate and pursue STEM education and career pathways. As a middle and high school science teacher and a district leader, she has worked closely with students, teachers, and parents to increase accessibility to STEM opportunities and learning for all students. She has been heavily involved in multicultural educational programming and mentoring, helping first-generation students acclimate and connect to resources to succeed when transitioning to college, and developing an understanding of their cultural identities and belonging.
Holding a Master’s Degree of Science in STEM Education, Palavra is currently working on her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction in Science Education. A life-long learner, Justice will continue to advocate for equity, innovation, and STEM education.
Jessica Beagle
Assistant Director of Professional Learning
Email: jbeagle@usf.edu
Ms. Jessica Beagle is the Assistant Director of Professional Learning in the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching. Ms. Beagle brings over 18 years of experience in public education to the Anchin Center. She holds a degree in elementary education and has worked as an elementary school teacher, a middle school mathematics teacher, department chair, and most recently as an instructional coach supporting multiple content areas across grade levels.
As an instructional coach, Ms. Beagle was responsible for developing and delivering professional learning opportunities for teachers, facilitating professional learning communities and planning teams, and analyzing and interpreting data for the school leadership team. In addition to her teaching and coaching roles, Ms. Beagle has worked as a facilitator and reviewer for EdReports.org, particularly in reviewing mathematics curriculum materials.
Ms. Beagle works to support professional learning, the Suncoast Area Teacher Training Program (SCATT) and Tutor A Bull in the Anchin Center.
Xiomara Enamorado (Zee)
Fiscal & Business Analyst
Email: xenamorado@usf.edu
Ms. Xiomara Enamorado, also known as Zee, is the Fiscal & Business Analyst in the David C. Anchin Center. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. Before becoming a part of the Anchin Center her journey began at the College of Art of Sciences at USF where she provided financial and administrative services and solutions to departments, centers & institutions, and community partners.
Before assuming her roles at USF, she committed herself to Pasco County Schools as a Buyer, displaying excellence in budget management, vendor relations, and compliance. Her contributions extended beyond transactions as she mentored students facing behavioral challenges at the secondary school level, helping them navigate academic and personal growth. Zee’s career also includes a role as an Office Manager, where she led a team of 40 associates and played a pivotal role facilitating support services and advocating for low-income families.
With a heart dedicated to enriching lives and a passion for education, she deeply aligned with the mission of the David C. Anchin Center, promising a lasting impact as she continues to blend financial acumen and genuine care for others.
student workers
Courtney Bennett
Class of 2027
bennett505@usf.edu
Courtney joins the Anchin Center as a freshman pre-education major at the University of South Florida. Courtney supports the Anchin Center through distribution list management, event support, and technology assistance. In her spare time, Courtney enjoys theater, Tae Kwon Do, and painting. Courtney hopes to one day be a middle school math teacher with a minor in Spanish.
Britney Soogrim
Class of 2025
bsoogrim@usf.edu
Britney joins the Anchin Center as a junior majoring in English Education at the University of South Florida. She supports the Center through distribution list managment, event support, and technology assistance. When she's not at the Center, her favorite pastimes include cooking, painting, spending time with friends, dancing, and going to the gym. Britney hopes to be a high school principal and provide both students and teachers with the necessary support they need to be successful.