We use cookies on this site to enhance your experience.
By selecting “Accept” and continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies.
I have worked in Education for 25+ years, first as an elementary school teacher before spending two years and The University of New Brunswick and then thirteen years at Nipissing University prior to joining the Laurier community.
I received my PhD in Educational Studies from Western University in 2008 and my MEd from Western University in 2004. I completed my Education degree at Redeemer College University (1996) and my BA (Child Studies/Psychology) is from Brock University (1995).
I was previously the Elizabeth Thorn Chair in Literacy at Nipissing University, as well as past-president of the Language and Literacy Researchers of Canada (LLRC). In 2023, I founded Literacy Laurier in collaboration with teacher candidates, a campus initiative that aims to foster a love of literacy in the Waterloo region.
My research is qualitative in nature, drawing on case study, narrative inquiry, and self-study methodologies to examine literacies teaching/learning across contexts. Examples include a six-year longitudinal study of a campus-based literacy camp and the study of literacy engagement from different perspectives (learner, educator, researcher). My current work focuses on professional learning for community members engaging in collective work, the documentation of an integrated math/literacy camp, and the use of Generative AI to support writing in the junior grades.
I am willing to supervise graduate students in areas related to literacy teaching/learning, early learning, experiential learning. I have also supervised graduate students in other fields undertaking qualitative research methodologies such as narrative inquiry.
If you are interested in volunteer opportunities to support the work of Literacy Laurier or the work of Laurier Students for Learning (LSFL), please reach out for more information.
Professional Resources:
- Scheffel, T. (November, 2024). Growing Literacy with Wordless books. A professional learning video for Bibliovideo, The Canadian Children’s Book Centre. Toronto, ON. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBFshJZBbu8
- Scheffel, T. (November, 2024). Tips for reading aloud with wordless picture books. The Canadian Children’s Book Centre. Toronto, ON. https://bookcentre.ca/pages/growing-literacy
- Scheffel, T. with NU Reads student contributors (2022). Literacy Learning Lesson Plans. https://sites.google.com/nipissingu.ca/nureads/home
- Hives, L., & Scheffel, T. (July 22nd, 2019). 7 favourite books for connecting with your preschooler. The Conversation. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/7-favourite-books-for-connecting-with-your-preschooler-119987
- Scheffel, T., Hives, L., Steele, A., & Scott, J. (Jan. 31st, 2019). Learning in the snow: how children develop through all-weather outdoor play. The Conversation. Retrieved from http://theconversation.com/learning-in-the-snow-how-children-develop-through-all-weather-outdoor-play-110736
Journal Articles and Book Chapters:
- Scheffel, T., McKee, L., Correia, B. (2026). Attuning to the digital: Inquiring into our teacher educator literacies practices. Language & Literacy, 28(2), 47-70. https://doi.org/10.20360/langandlit29841
- Scheffel, T., & Correia, B. (2025). Joyful Literacy Learning/Teaching Within a University-Based Summer Literacy Camp. Language & Literacy, 27(3), 19–41. https://doi.org/10.20360/langandlit29760
- Scheffel, T., Driessens, S., & Correia, B. (2025). Conceptualizing Literacy Engagement: The Interconnectedness of Teacher Beliefs and Enacted Practices. LEARNing Landscapes, 29, 227-244. https://doi.org/10.36510/learnland.vi29.1152
- Scheffel, T., & McKee, L. (2025). Navigating turbulent times in literacies education. In Sage Research Methods: Doing Research Online. SAGE.
- McKee, L., & Scheffel, T. (2024). Supporting preservice teachers to navigate the tensions of teaching English Language Arts: An examination of two teacher educator's literacies pedagogies. Language & Literacy, 26(3), 75-95. https://doi.org/10.20360/langandlit29699
- Manitowabi, M. & Scheffel, T. (2024). Honouring Place: The Resurgence of Indigenous Knowledge, Perspectives and Pedagogies within an Indigenous Early Childhood Context. In Iris Berger's (Ed.), Intimately Situated Stories of Place: Activating Place-Centered Pedagogies in Early Childhood Education. Palgrave-MacMillan.
- Ciampa, K., Gallagher, T., Hong, H., McKee, L., Scheffel, T. (2024). An Examination of Canadian and American Pre-Service Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Beliefs for 21st Century Literacy Instruction. Reading Psychology, 1-26.
- Scheffel, T. (2021). A curriculum journey inspired by picturebooks. In C. Shields, A.G. Podolski, & J.J. Guiney Yallop’s Influences and Inspirations in Curriculum Studies and Teaching: Reflections on the Origins and Legacy of Canadian Scholarship (pp. 116-122). Routledge.
- Scheffel, T., & Hives, L. (2021). Shifting mindsets about educating young children. The Learning Professional, 42(2), 26-29.
- Scheffel, T., Hives, L., Scott, J., & Steele, A. (2021). Learning with wide-open eyes: Nudging at perceived barriers to outdoor learning within a kindergarten. Children, Youth and Environments, 31(2), 83-104. doi: https://doi.org/10.7721/chilyoutenvi.31.2.0083
- Hives, L., Scheffel, T., Scott, J., (2020). Developing a relationship with the environment – for the health of it. Green Teacher, 125, 16-21.
- Scheffel, T., & McKee, L. (2019). Uniting generations: Intergenerational and universal-themed picturebook recommendations. Journal of Childhood Studies, 44(5), 120-128. https://doi.org/10.18357/jcs00019339
- McKee, L. & Scheffel, T. (2019). Learning together: Our reflections on connecting people and practices in intergenerational meaning-making experiences. Journal of Childhood Studies, 44(5), 111-119. https://doi.org/10.18357/jcs00019338
- Scheffel, T., Cameron, C., Dolmage, L., Johnston, M., Lapensee, J., Solymar, K., Usher-Speedie, E., & Wills, M. (2018). The Journey of a Collaborative Children’s Literature Book Club for Teacher Candidates. Reading Horizons, 57(1), 1-14.
- Scheffel, T. (2017). Tell Me With Pictures: Grade Eight Students’ Digital Representations of Engagement in Learning. McGill Journal of Education, 52(3), 719-746.
- Scheffel, T. (2016). Individual Paths to Literacy Engagement: Three Portraits Revisited. Brock Journal, 25(2), 53-70. doi: HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.26522/BROCKED.V25I2.500
- Scheffel, T. (2016). Becoming Literacy Leaders: Teacher Candidates Initiate a Community-Based Literacy Program. Language and Literacy, 18(1), 130-147. https://doi.org/10.20360/G2T592
- Scheffel, T. (2015). The Heart of the Matter: Exploring Intergenerational Themes in Children’s Literature. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 13(2). 167-181.
- Scheffel, T. (2013). Portraits of Home: Working in Community Day Care Homes in New Brunswick. LEARNing Landscapes, 7(1), 283-299.
- Scheffel, T. (2012). Individual Paths to Literacy Engagement: Three Portraits. Brock Education, 21(2), pp. 3-21. doi: HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.26522/BROCKED.V21I2.274
- Scheffel, T. & Booth, D. (2013). Towards Literary Growth and Community Participation: Lessons Learned from a Shared Book Experience in One Northern Ontario Community. Literacy Learning: The Middle Years, 21(2), 35-40.
- Scheffel, T. (2011). Who am I? Who are you? Negotiating a researcher identity. Language and Literacy, 13(2), 54-65. doi: https://doi.org/10.20360/G26K53
- Hibbert, K., Scheffel, T., Rich, S. & Heydon, R. M. (2011). Orchestrating expertise in reading and writing. Education 3-13, 1-13.
- Scheffel, T. (2009). Valuing Children’s Roles in Research on Literacy Engagement. In L. Iannacci and P. Whitty (Eds.), Early Childhood Curricula: Reconceptualist Perspectives (pp.143-166). Detselig Press.
Bachelor of Education:
- EU425: Foundations of Language and Literacy Education (Primary/Junior)
- EU426: Extending Language and Literacy Education (Primary/Junior)
- EU533: Literate Lives - Stories, Practices, and Possibilities
- EU805: Doctoral Seminar III