Every new academic year brings fresh energy, new perspectives, and people who help shape the future of our community. This year, the School of Teaching and Learning is especially excited to welcome Kaitlyn Evans, assistant professor of secondary education, and Ellen Bozzer, academic advisor. Both bring impressive expertise and, just as importantly, a deep commitment to supporting students and colleagues.
Meet Kaitlyn Evans
Teaching has always been more than a profession to Evans; it is a lifelong passion. From kindergarten classrooms in Florida to undergraduate courses in South Carolina, Evans has taught across grade levels and disciplines, always seeking new ways to connect students with meaningful learning.
She comes to Illinois State University with broad expertise: a B.S. in social science education and an M.A. in special education with an ESOL and reading focus from the University of Central Florida. She has also completed graduate certificates in program evaluation from Florida State University and qualitative research methods from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte, where she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction.
Her professional certifications span social studies, English/language arts, elementary education, reading, ESOL, and special education. At Columbia College in South Carolina, Evans taught courses such as Moral and Political Foundations of Education, Assessment in Literacy, Content Area Literacy, and the Praxis Writing Lab.
In the School of Teaching and Learning, Evans will guide preservice teachers in TCH 216: Principles and practices for teaching and learning in secondary school, helping them bridge theory with classroom practice.
Evans said, “Since coming to ISU, I’ve felt deeply welcomed. My door is ever-open for spontaneous drop-bys, research discussions, or book discussions. I’m eager to learn from my students and collaborate with colleagues to nurture curiosity, connection, and impactful scholarship.”
Her research focuses on writing as an integral part of reading development, particularly through the Direct and Indirect Effects of Writing (DIEW) model. She also studies whether AI-generated writing feedback can reduce teacher workload while boosting student growth and examines the role of WIDA’s Access writing assessments in multilingual learning. More broadly, her work connects the science of reading with strategies for bilingual and second-language learners.
Outside the classroom, Evans leads a life as vibrant and dynamic as her work. She is a proud mother of three, a devoted Harry Potter fan, and a creative spirit who enjoys reading, crafting, and cooking. She is rarely without her favorite boots or a Diet Coke, and she never misses her nightly ritual of Wordle and Sudoku. She also takes great joy in supporting her youngest child’s competitive cheer schedule.
Meet Ellen Bozzer
Listening is at the heart of Bozzer’s approach to student success. Her advising philosophy is shaped by her own undergraduate experience, where a mentor encouraged her to pursue transformative opportunities such as studying abroad, serving as a teaching assistant, and completing a senior thesis. She now seeks to provide that same encouragement to students in the School of Teaching and Learning by guiding them toward experiences that will shape their lives in meaningful ways.
Bozzer holds a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Renaissance literature from the University of York in the United Kingdom. She also took graduate coursework in English studies with a focus on children’s literature and served as a graduate instructor in the Department of English at Illinois State. As a member of the Writing Program Leadership Team, Bozzer supported new instructors in their teaching.
Her professional experience includes serving as a senior academic advisor at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities and working in undergraduate admissions at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. These roles have equipped her with a strong foundation in academic advising, student engagement, and higher education support.
In her new role, Bozzer advises early childhood education majors, elementary education majors, and bilingual/bicultural majors and minors. She supports students in course planning, helps them navigate university resources, and provides encouragement through the challenges of their academic journeys.
For Illinois State students, Bozzer said, “Stay in touch with your academic advisor; we are here to listen, guide, and connect you with opportunities that will enrich your ISU experience.”
Outside of work, Bozzer enjoys hiking, baking, exploring new restaurants, taking ballet classes, and reading, particularly British literature. She loves to travel, most recently visiting Acadia National Park in Maine, and regularly visits her immediate family in Nebraska.
Looking ahead
Together, Evans and Bozzer embody the values of the School of Teaching and Learning: expertise, care, and a passion for student growth. Their stories remind us that our community is made stronger when we welcome new perspectives and experiences.
Please join us in giving them a warm ISU welcome as we begin this exciting new year.
