Lisa A. Ciganek

Bio

Dr. Lisa Ciganek joined the College of Education faculty in 2015 after 16 years in Pasco County (Florida) schools. During her teaching career, Dr. Ciganek taught at the elementary and high school levels and served as a new teacher mentor, trainer, and literacy coach at the school and district levels. In addition to her work in K-12 schools, she has served as an adjunct instructor for two local colleges and as a consultant to private Christian schools.

Working with learners in high-poverty and alternative urban schools has fueled Dr. Ciganek’s passion for equipping new teachers. She has experienced firsthand how God opens unexpected doors for public school teachers to influence a student’s eternal destiny. Dr. Ciganek's research interests focus on literacy, trauma-informed teaching strategies, effective teacher preparation programs, and teacher retention. She serves on the cabinet of Crystal Lake Elementary School, a Community Partnership School in Polk County. Dr. Ciganek has been published in several literacy-focused journals and authored the study guide for a text on reading assessment.

Dr. Ciganek loves to cook and enjoys running. She is active in local church ministry and speaks at conferences and women’s events. Dr. Ciganek and her husband, Glenn, have been married since 1991.