Dessy Stoycheva, Ed.D.

Years of education-related professional experience

Years of research experience

Years of leadership experience

About me...

Educator. Researcher. Learner.
I am a third-generation educator- education is in the core of my values! It has been my calling to support students on their learning paths towards becoming successful professionals.
My teaching strategies are informed by the cognitivist learning theory where both basic cognition and metacognition need to be developed for deep learning, application of skills, and knowledge transfer. My methodological approach balances teacher-guided instruction with student-centered projects to provide flexibility and opportunities for students to make personal meanings. My pedagogical practice is partially informed by the constructivist approach to cognitive development where students, through scaffolding, enhance their learning and benefit from peer-mentoring and collaboration. I emphasize social-emotional learning, self-regulatory and motivational strategies, and interdisciplinary connections. I strive to incorporate culturally responsive pedagogy and to increase the cultural competence of students and pre-service teachers.
As a researcher, I aim to translate research findings into scienced-based classroom practices for teaching and learning. I prepare students to be thoughtful consumers of research, to address biases of thought, and enhance their critical thinking skills. I have a long-term research agenda in the area of educational psychology, and I have conducted original studies in STE(A)M education, literacy, and interpersonal forgiveness. I serve as a research reviewer to continually learn about the most recent trends in the field.
My goals are to keep learning and developing personally and professionally, to make a positive impact, and to give back to my community.

Dessy Storycheva

Testimonials

Dessy has exhibited an excellent work ethic during all of our work together. She completes her work on time, does it very well and, she goes beyond her assigned tasks when needed. She is an excellent team member, yet shows leadership when it is appropriate to do so. Our joint work would not have been completed as well or as quickly without Dessy's participation.
~Ralph E. Reynolds, Ph.D.

Dessy provides a well-organized, reflective approach to all of the projects and activities in which she participates. She has contributed her skills and knowledge to projects that advance the College of Education at the University of Northern Iowa, including her participation in grant funded research for the Early Childhood Development Center.
~Salli Forbes, Ph.D.

Dessy has a broad range of interests related to education. This trait shows her potential for creative and eventually highly useful innovative work, as original ideas tend to come from the intersection of two fields. I can say that Dessy shows many characteristics of gifted individuals. Not only is she a high achiever and academically advanced, but she has also evidenced motivation and task commitment. Her broad interests will serve her well as she melds different areas, noticing opportunities for new strands of research.
~Audrey C. Rule, Ph.D.

Professor Stoycheva is passionate, knowledgeable, very understanding, and caring. Also, very active in what she cares about and in teaching.
Professor Stoycheva is very aware of the styles of learning that are proven to work best and incorporates those into her classroom. She really made me think deeply about everything discussed in class.
This was a great class. I loved learning about the content. This class has helped me understand how to work with Middle school students even more. I feel that I am better prepared to take them head on.
Professor Stoycheva is a terrific professor and teaches the content very well. I would recommend her to any student looking to take any class with her. You can tell she wholeheartedly cares about the topic and has a passion for teaching.
~Student Assessments

Presentations

Presenting research across the country. Active member, presenter, facilitator, reviewer for the American Education Research Association.

Research

Interests in educational psychology with a focus on cognitive development, learning sciences, teaching strategies, and curriculum development.

Teaching

K-12: Literacy, TESOL, science
College: Psychology courses
University: Teacher Preparation, Educational Psychology courses

Teaching
%
Human Development/ Learning & Motivation/ Assessments of Children/ Middle School Development/ Child Development through Integrated Arts, Media, and Early Literacy/ Introduction to Psychology/ Human Relations
Research
%
Review of research (Journal and Conference)/ Presentations/ Original Studies
Leadership
%
Course Development/ Project Management/ Lead Faculty/ Conference organizer and facilitator (chair, discussant)/ Loss Mitigation Team Leader
Service
%
Advisor for Student Elementary and Early Childhood Association/ Parent-Teacher Association board member/ Volunteer with local school
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My Conference Travels