John Ponder, Ph.D.

Department Chair, Associate Professor
Department of Early Childhood through Secondary Education College of Education

678-839-6076
jponder@wesntaG5lTXzeLMdDeZWLtRWUAKxja8utga.edu

Education Annex - Room 112

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John Ponder, Ph.D.

Dr. John M. Ponder is an Associate Professor of Literacy Instruction in the College of Education.  He is currently serving as the Chair of the Department of Early Childhood Through Secondary Education. During his tenure at the University of West Georgia, he has served in a number of leadership positions.  These include the M.Ed. in Reading Instruction Program Coordinator, the Teaching Fellows Program Director, and the College of Education Graduate Studies Director.  After chairing the Department of Literacy and Special Education for seven years, Dr. Ponder transitioned to the Chair of the Department of Early Childhood Through Secondary Education.  He teaches undergraduate courses for pre-service teachers that focus on effective literacy instruction and assessment.  Prior to moving into higher education, Dr. Ponder began his teaching career as a public school teacher in Louisiana. 

  • B.A., Elementary Education, Louisiana Tech University, 1983
  • M.A., Elementary Education, Louisiana Tech University, 1985
  • Ed.S., Reading Education, Louisiana Tech University, 1989
  • Ph.D., Reading Education, University of Georgia, 1992

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Ponder, J. M. & Doheny, C. (2007). If not for points, then why read? Exploring the grandest purpose of literature. Affective Reading Education Journal, 24, 1-5. [View Publication (PDF)]