Assistant Director
Katie Cierniak is a graduate of the IU School of Education’s Teaching All Learners program, a previous participant of the Global Gateway for Teacher’s program (Navajo Nation program), and a former special education and Reading Recovery teacher. She completed her PhD in International and Comparative Education. She is passionate about working with pre-service teachers and examining issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion that arise in schools.
Director
James Damico is Professor of Literacy, Culture, and Language Education at the IU School of Education. Damico jumped at the opportunity to be a part of INSPIRE. "I'm real excited as a faculty member to be part of this Living-Learning Center," he said. "I think it's an ideal opportunity for students to explore these really important questions about what it means to live and learn in the 21st century."
Armstrong Teacher-in-Residence
Chris DeHart, a U.S. History teacher from the Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility, will be working with the INSPIRE Learning-Living Center during the 2019-2020 school year as an Armstrong Teacher-in-Residence. He will be working alongside the INSPIRE faculty, sharing his unique perspective and teaching experience within a juvenile correctional setting.
Graduate Assistant
Amy is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in Education Policy Studies at Indiana University with a concentration in Higher Education. Her research interests explore access to higher education for low-income and first-generation college students. Amy is excited to join the INSPIRE Team and to have the opportunity to work with prospective teachers!
Graduate Assistant
Samantha is a doctoral student in the Higher Education program at IUB School of Education. Her research involves examining inclusive campus environments and campus climate. Her role with INSPIRE includes working directly with Peer Mentors to provide an enriching leadership experience.
