Amy L Shema

Amy L Shema serves as an Instructor in the Department of Education and Human Development at the State University of New York at Brockport within the Education, Languages, and Instructional Design unit, teaching courses including Education and Society (EDI 430/530), Emergent Language and Literacy (EDI 735), and Inquiry into Learning (EDI 462).

Her academic credentials include:

• PhD from the University of Rochester
• MS from the University of Rochester
• BA from Allegheny College

Dr. Shema's research program integrates practical and theoretical perspectives across education through three interconnected domains:

• Literacy & Early Development: Focusing on emergent literacy, play-based learning, and early childhood education frameworks
• Social Equity & Community: Examining diverse family structures, social foundations of education, and school-community partnerships
• Program Innovation: Investigating out-of-school time learning, teacher development, and educational program evaluation

Prior to her academic appointment, she developed significant field experience through classroom teaching in the Rochester City School District and federal contracts with the US Department of Education targeting literacy initiatives and staff development. This practitioner background directly informs her approach to bridging educational theory with real-world implementation.

Outside academia, Dr. Shema maintains active engagement with outdoor recreation including kayaking, alongside creative pursuits in sewing and cooking, with particular emphasis on family connections through time spent with nieces and nephews.