Rachel Gurvitch

Rachel Gurvitch is a teacher educator at Georgia State University’s College of Education and Human Development. She holds a B.Ed. in Physical Education from Zinman College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at the Wingate Institute (2000), an M.S. in Physical Education Teacher Education from West Virginia University (2001), and an Ed.D. in Physical Education Teacher Education from West Virginia University (2004).

• B.Ed. Physical Education, Zinman College/Wingate Institute, 2000
• M.S. Physical Education Teacher Education, West Virginia University, 2001
• Ed.D. Physical Education Teacher Education, West Virginia University, 2004

Her primary research focuses on instructional innovations in teacher education, with two interconnected tracks: (1) the effectiveness of teacher education programs and (2) technology’s impact on teaching practices. She explores how digital tools like video editing and Plickers enhance preservice teachers’ self-efficacy, reflective practice, and assessment strategies.

Rachel’s recent publications emphasize technology integration in health and physical education, service-learning pedagogy, and teacher evaluation frameworks. Key trends include the flipped classroom model, web-assessment tools, and multidisciplinary collaboration for educational improvement. Her work bridges physical education with broader educational technology and policy considerations.

Scientific Awards:

• 2008 GAHPERD Young Scholar
• 2009 Research Consortium Fellow
• 2011 Mabel Lee Award
• 2013 GAHPERD University Teacher of the Year

She has published 18 refereed articles in journals like the Journal of Teaching in Physical Education and presented over 53 times at state, national, and international conferences. Her work includes curriculum revisions to strengthen pedagogical content knowledge and innovative uses of digital media in teacher preparation.