Tarsha Shepard, PhD, is a professor at Samford where she teaches reading and language arts methods courses. Also, a P-12 reading specialist, Shepard serves on various university committees. Her research interests include early literacy and oral language development in preschool children.

Prior to coming to Samford in fall 2012, Dr. Shepard was an instructor and professor in the School of Education at the University of Montevallo. She began her career in the Shelby County School System teaching first grade at Valley Elementary School from 1992-2001.

Dr. Shepard is an active member in her church and is involved in various outreach ministries. She enjoys collecting and restoring antiques, reading, exploring interior designs and spending quality time with her daughter, Nylah and husband, Darryl.  

Degrees and Certifications

• PhD Elementary Education, University of Alabama
• EdS Elementary Education, University of Alabama
• MA Elementary Education, University of Montevallo
• BS Early Childhood/Elementary Education, University of Montevallo

Publications

• Scarborough, K., Kennedy, H., & Shepard, T. (2024, September 10). “when times get tough: A faith-based approach to teaching and learning.” Christian Scholar’s Review.
• Tarsha Shepard, PhD, Amy E. Hoaglund, EdD, and Karen J. Birkenfeld, EdD (2023). Commitment to Professional Growth. In A. Hoaglund & K. Birkenfeld (Authors), The Commitment-Based Teacher. Kendall Hunt, 2023.  

• T., Bluiett (2018) Ready or Not, Play or Not: Next Steps for Sociodramatic Play and the Early Literacy Curriculum: A Theoretical Perspective. Reading Improvement, Volume 55, Number 3/Fall 2018.

• T., Bluiett (2018) The Language of Play and Gender-Role Stereotypes. Education, Volume 139, Number 1/Fall 2018.

• Bluiett, T., &. Hilsmier, A. S., (2015). Fluency Interventions for Struggling Readers. The Reading Paradigm, Volume 9, Number 1/Fall 2015

Presentations

• 9^th Annual Conference of Southeastern Association of School-University Partnerships September 18-19, 2025 Gulf Shores, Al. Surfing toward stronger readers: A higher Education and K-5 partnership anchored in the science of reading, presented by by Kate Scarborough, PhD Tarsha Shepard, PhD (Teacher Education, Samford University).

• 6th Annual Higher Education Character Convening May 12-14, 2025 Pensacola Beach, FL. Books That Build Character, Part II. Presented by Kate Scarborough, PhD Tarsha Shepard, PhD Hannah Kennedy, PhD (Teacher Education, Samford University).

• Shepard, T., Scarborough, K., & Kennedy, H. (2025) A Multifaceted Apprach to Using. Children’s Literature. Presented at the Alabama Higher Education Science of Reading Symposium, University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama.

• Faith and Leaning Conference 2024. Overcoming Adversity in Education: A Faith Based Approach to Teaching and Learning: Kate Scarborough, Assistant Professor of Teacher Education; Hannah Kennedy, Assistant Professor of Teacher Education; and Tarsha Shephard, Associate Professor of Teacher Education.

• 5th Annual Higher Education Character Convening May 13-15, 2024 Pensacola Beach, FL. 
  • Promoting Character Development through Partnerships in Special Education Presented by: Hannah Kennedy, PhD., Kate Scarborough, PhD., Tarsha Shepard, PhD., & Mandy Hilsmier. PhD
  • Books That Build Character: Presented by Kate Scarborough, PhD Tarsha Shepard, PhD Hannah Kennedy, PhD (Teacher Education, Samford University).

• 17^th Annual ICCTE Biennial Conference Gordon College, Wenham, MA May 21-23, 2024. Promising Practices for Integrating Faith & Work for Preservice Teachers Presented by: Kate Scarborough, PhD Hannah Kennedy, PhD Tarsha Shepard, PhD

• Shepard, T., Scarborough, K., & King, T. (2024) Reading Fellows: An Initiative with Samford University and I3 Academy. Presented at the Alabama Higher Education Science of Reading Symposium, University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama.

• Shepard, T., Birkenfeld, K., & Hoagland, A. (2023). Exploring the Science of Reading: Implications for Teacher Preparation. Presented at the Alabama Higher Education Science of Reading Symposium, University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama

• Shepard, T., Hoagland, A., Birkenfeld, K., and Scarborough, K. (2022). Relationships, Responsibility and Regulation, Oh my! Culture of Character Summit, Hope Institute and Samford University’s School of Education, Birmingham, Al.

• Shepard, T., Birkenfeld, K., & Hoagland, A. (2022) Exploring the Science of Reading: Implications for Teacher Preparation. Presented at the Alabama Literacy Association Conference, Birmingham, Alabama.