Cheryl R. Ellerbrock

Dr. Cheryl R. Ellerbrock is a Professor of Middle Grades and General Secondary Education and Campus Dean of Education at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee. She is a nationally recognized scholar with leadership roles in organizations such as the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and the National Association of Professors of Middle Level Education (NAPOMLE).

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (2007), University of Florida
  • M.Ed. in Educational Psychology (2007), University of Florida
  • M.Ed. in Social Studies Education (2000), University of Florida
  • B.A. in Social Science Education & Psychology (1999), Florida Southern College

Research Interests focus on middle grades education, responsive teaching practices, STEM teacher preparation, and school transition programs. Her work emphasizes adolescent-centered communities of care, cultural responsiveness, and curriculum innovation.

Grant Leadership includes the Helios Education Foundation-funded STEM residency program ($2.7M) and the Henson Family Fund grant ($500K) for literacy mentoring. She has led over 15 grants, including international travel and classroom technology initiatives.

Publications span 45+ works in journals like The Journal of Educational Research and Middle School Journal, with themes in equity, teacher education, and adolescent development. Her 2023 book Middle Level Teacher Preparation Across International Contexts highlights global factors in teacher training.

• Scientific Awards
  • Sarasota Magazine’s Women of Influence (2023)
  • NAPOMLE Outstanding Professor (2022)
  • Margaret Burlington Tritle Excellence in Teaching Award (2022)
  • Longview Foundation Global Teacher Fellow (2022-2023)
  • Paul S. George Award (2016)

Collaborative Initiatives include co-founding the InsideART program, integrating contemporary art with social studies to explore societal issues. She partners with USF Contemporary Art Museum (USFCAM) and local school districts to develop curriculum resources.