Suzann Girtz, Ph.D.

Professor of Teacher Education

A former high school math and science teacher, Suzann is passionate about educational research and assessment. She teaches preservice undergraduate and graduate student teachers and works in the area of school change. You can view results at powerless2powerful.com...

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Suzann Girtz

Contact Information

  • My office hours vary and are posted on my door. Please come visit! 
  • (509) 313-3400

Education & Curriculum Vitae

Ph.D., Leadership Studies, Gonzaga University

M.I.T., Secondary Education, Whitworth College

B.S., Biology, Eastern Washington University

A.A., Liberal Arts, Spokane Community College

A former high school math and science teacher, Suzann is passionate about educational research and assessment. She teaches preservice undergraduate and graduate student teachers and works in the area of school change. You can view results at powerless2powerful.com and http://www.k12.wa.us/GATE.

Dr. Girtz speaks and consults, most recently for the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Washington Student Achievement Council, Northeast Educational Service District, and the Jesuit Schools Network. Collaborating across content areas and agencies is some of her favorite work.

Books

  • Girtz, S., & Salina, C. (2019). Coaches’ guide. Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction – Washington State.
  • Salina, C., Girtz, S., & Eppinga, J. (2016, August). Transforming schools through systems change. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.
  • Salina, C., Girtz, S., & Eppinga, J. (2015, November). Powerless to powerful: Leadership for school change. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.
  • Girtz, S. (2013). Educating millennials born between 1980 and 1994: The chief problems in teaching this age group. Wales, UK: Edwin Mellen Press.

Chapters

  • Girtz, S., & Lambert, K. (2016, December). How do you talk to a politician about the edTPA? Advocacy through inquiry and social justice around high-stakes assessment. In J. Carter & H. Lochte (Eds.), Teacher performance assessment and accountability reforms: The impacts of edTPA (Chapter 10). London, UK: Palgrave McMillan.

Articles

  • Girtz, S., Salina, C., & Eppinga, J. (2018). Washington district keeps culture of learning at center. The Standard: The Journal of the National Association of State Boards of Education, 18(2), 28-32.

  • Girtz, S. (2018, November). Powerless to powerful: Moving Washington state schools towards excellence and equity. League of Education Voters. https://educationvoters.org/2017/11/27/powerless-powerful/

  • Eppinga, J., Salina, C., Girtz, S., & Martinez, D. (2018). What's relational trust have to do with it? Educational Leadership, 25(6).
  • Salina, C., Girtz, S., & Eppinga, J. (2017). A turnaround success story. Educational Leadership, Summer (online).
  • Girtz, S. (2014). Ignatian pedagogy and its alignment with the new teacher bar exam (edTPA) and action research frameworks. Jesuit Higher Education, 3(1), 75-80.
  • Salina, C., Girtz, S., Eppinga, J., Martinez, D., Blumer Kilian, D., Lozano, E., . . . Shines, T. (2014, February). All Hands On Deck: A comprehensive, results-driven counseling model. Professional School Counseling, 17(1), 63-75. Available at http://schoolcounselor.metapress.com/content /0h02461q47764jr3/?p=732ba6bc4d9147dbb19dbb0dc4409ef5&pi=5
  • Girtz, S. (2013). What is the role and responsibility of educator preparation programs to foster and sustain effectiveness? ASCDEdge.http://edge.ascd.org/_What-is-the-role-and- responsibility-of-educator-preparation-programs-to-foster-and-sustain- effectiveness/blog/6509383/127586.

  • Salina, C., Girtz, S., & Johnson, C. (2013). Pilot development – Predictive hiring at Sunnyside School District, Sunnyside, WA.

  • Girtz, S. (2013, March). What is the role and responsibility of educator preparation programs to foster and sustain effectiveness? [Invited contribution, Critical question series]. Curriculum in Context. 

  • Shepard, J., Salina, C., Girtz, S., Cox, J., Davenport, N., & Hillard, T.L. (2012). Student success: Stories that inform high school change. Reclaiming Children and Youth, 21(2), 48-53.

  • Girtz, S., Salina, C., Cox, J., & Johnson, C. (Spring, 2011). Turnaround principals and partnerships across secondary and higher education to support students. Curriculum in Context, 37(1), 16-18.

  • Girtz, S., & Cox, J. (2011, Spring). Formative qualitative report – SIG Sunnyside high school.

  • Girtz, S., & Cox, J. (2011, Summer). Summary evaluation report, school improvement grant, Sunnyside high school—Year one.

    Sunderland, J., Girtz, S., & Bradshaw, C. (2011). Assessment manual.
  • Girtz, S. (2010-2012). Grant evaluation of School Improvement Grant, Sunnyside School District, Sunnyside, WA.
  • Cox, J. A., Salina, C. V., Girtz, S. (2010). Why don’t we teach in a whole new way? Washington Science Teachers Association Journal, 51(3), 29-33.
  • Salina, C., Cox, J., & Girtz, S. (Spring, 2009). Separate but equal? Integrating an alternative school into the comprehensive high school. Leadership Information, 8(2), 40-49.
  • Girtz, S. (Spring, 2009). Educational change through the lens of complexity science: Changing thinking for changed learners. Northwest Passage: Journal of Educational Practices, 7(1).  

Webinars

  • Girtz, S. & Salina, C. (2020). GATE Equity Webinar: Preparing for next year: Using the past to make sense of the future. - 201. OSPI Tiered Supports.
  • Girtz, S. & Salina, C. (2020). GATE Equity Webinar: Connecting & Building Data & Systems - 101. OSPI Tiered Supports.
  • Girtz, S. & Salina, C. (2019). Powerless to powerful series. OSPI Tiered Supports. https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/support-programs/school-improvement/k-12-tiered- supports

Professional Papers Presented

National & International

  • Salina, C., Girtz, S., & Eppinga, J. (2018, January 5). Powerless2Powerful: Leadership for school change. International Conference on Education, Honolulu, HI.
  • Girtz, S., & Salina, C. (2017). Invited keynote. Jesuit Network of Academic Vice Principals National Conference, Spokane, WA.
  • Girtz, S., & Lambert, K. (2016). Advocacy through collaboration and research that aligns with mission: The universities, the edTPA and the state lawmakers. Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges of Teacher Education Annual Conference, Las Vegas, NV.
  • Girtz, S., & Johnson, C. (2015). An online principal program: Unexpected success. Learning Forward Annual Conference, Washington, DC.
  • Girtz, S., & Johnson, C. (2015). Advocacy About edTPA: Engaging to inform policy and practice. Learning Forward Annual Conference, Washington, DC.
  • Girtz, S., & Lambert, K. (2015). Counter-narratives of teacher performance assessment (edTPA). American Education Studies Association Annual Conference, San Antonio, TX.
  • Girtz, S., & Lambert, K. (2015). Inquiry, advocacy, and partnership: The engagement of TPPs to address just practices connected to the edTPA. Globalization, Diversity, and Education Conference, Spokane, WA. Girtz, S., Lambert, K., Johnson, J. (2015). Advocacy about edTPA: Engaging to inform policy and practice. Learning Forward Annual Conference, Washington DC.
  • Silliman, S., Boggan, T., Labay, V., DePalma, P., Girtz, S., & Ricco, G. (2015). Initial evaluation of a living learning center for engineering and computer science. KEEN Winter Conference, Tempe, AZ.
  • Girtz, S. (2014, February). Plenary session: State and local advocacy. [Invited contribution]. AILACTE Annual Conference, Indianapolis, IN.
  • Girtz, S., & Gbenro, H. (2014). Engaging all learners through the power of cooperative discourse. ASCD Annual Conference, Los Angeles, CA.
  • Girtz, S., & Lambert, K. (2014). Using edTPA data across two universities to develop lines of inquiry for improvement and advocacy. AILACTE Annual Conference, Indianapolis, IN.
  • Girtz, S. (2013). What is the role and responsibility of educator preparation programs to foster and sustain effectiveness? ASCDEdge. http://edge.ascd.org/_What-is-the-role-and- responsibility-of-educator-preparation-programs-to-foster-and-sustain- effectiveness/blog/6509383/127586.html
  • Cox, J., Salina, C., & Girtz, S. (2012, January). Building meaningful relationships between higher education faculty. International Conference on Education, Honolulu, HI.
  • Girtz, S., Salina, C., & Cox, J. (2012, January). Advance piloting the new teacher performance assessment (TPA) for preservice teacher candidates. International Conference on Education, Honolulu, HI.
  • Salina, C., Girtz, S., & Cox, J. (2012, January). Turn-around principalships. International Conference on Education, Honolulu, HI.
  • Girtz, S., Salina, C., Shepard, J., Cox, J., Johnson, C., & Davenport, N. (2011, February). Relational trust—What’s missing in educational reform? 7th International Globalization, Diversity, & Education Conference, Spokane, WA.
  • Girtz, S., & Naughton, N. (2007, August). Testing: The use of assessment for and as learning. Greater Victoria Literacy Institute, Victoria, BC, CAN.

Regional & Local

  • Girtz, S. & Salina, C. (2024, May). P2P Leadership Network: Resources. OSPI. Kennewick, WA.
  • Girtz, S. & Salina, C. (2024, March). P2P Leadership Network: Behaviors. OSPI. Pasco, WA.
  • Girtz, S. & Salina, C. (2024, January). P2P Leadership Network: Frameworks. OSPI. Sunnyside, WA.
  • Girtz, S., Salina, C., & Allman, A. (2023, June). Lighting the Way for Leadership. Summer Conference. WASA/AWSP. Spokane, WA.
  • Girtz, S. & Salina, C. (2023, June). Powerless to Powerful – Four Principles. Instructional Leadership Network – ESD 101. Spokane, WA.
  • Girtz, S. & Salina, C. (2022-2023). Powerless to Powerful for District Leaders series. Six presentations to ESD 123 District Teams.
  • Girtz, S. & Salina, C. (2022). Powerless to Powerful – First Two Principles. Instructional Leadership Network – ESD 101. Spokane, WA.
  • Girtz, S. & Salina, C. (2021-2022). Powerless to Powerful for Building Leaders series. Six presentations to Kennewick School District.
  • Girtz, S. & Salina, C. (2021-2022). Powerless to Powerful for Continuous Improvement Coaches series. Six presentations to OSPI-CIPs.
  • Girtz, S. (2018). Invited keynote. West Valley School District Honor Society – Honor Cord Ceremony, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA.
  • Girtz, S., Salina, C., & Anderson, K. (2017, June). Using data to enhance reflective practices. GATE equity webinar presented for the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction online.
  • Girtz, S., & Salina, C. (2016, June). Graduation equity preconference seminar. AWSP-WASA, Seattle, WA.
  • Girtz, S., Salina, C. & Eppinga, J. (2016, May). Together we will. [Invited contribution]. Washington Association of Educational Grant Managers, State Conference, Yakima, WA.
  • Girtz, S., & Salina, C. (2015). OSPI graduation: A team effort summit meetings. [Invited contribution]. OSPI, Olympia, WA.
  • Girtz, S., & Salina, C. (2015). Developing a statewide framework/model that supports increased high school graduation rates. [Invited contribution]. Graduation Success Summit 2, GATEs – OSPI, Olympia, WA.
  • Girtz, S., Cox, J., Salina, C., Hellner-Gomez, H., Maxwell, R., & Martinez, D. (2012, October). Supporting learners through the development of systems and the use of systems. Paper presented at Annual Washington State Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Washington State Association of Superintendent Annual Conference, Seattle, WA.
  • Hellner-Gomez, H., Salina, C., & Girtz, S., (2012, October). Supportive transitions to the TPEP model. Paper presented at Annual Washington State Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Washington State Association of Superintendent Annual Conference, Seattle, WA.
  • Girtz, S., Cox, J., Salina, C., Hellner-Gomez, H., Maxwell, R., & Martinez, D., (2012, October). Supporting learners through the development of systems and the use of systems. Paper presented at Annual Washington State Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Washington State Association of Superintendent Annual Conference, Seattle, WA.
  • Girtz, S. (2011, April). Piloting the teacher performance assessment. Paper presented at the Eighth Annual PESB/Preparation Forum. Spokane, WA.
  • Girtz, S., Salina, C., & Cox, J. (2010, June). Integrating an alternative school into the comprehensive high school. Association of Washington School Principals’ Spring Conference, Seattle, WA.
  • Girtz, S., Davenport, N., Salina, C., Cox, J., & Shepard, J. (2010, April). Lessons from student success stories that inform high school change. Paper presented at the Northwest Association of Teacher Educator’s Conference, Ellensburg, WA.
  • Girtz, S. (2010, March). Complexity, change, and the emerging future of leadership. Paper presented at the 4th Annual Seattle University & Gonzaga University leadership conference, Spokane, WA.
  • Salina, C., Girtz, S., & Cox, J. (2009, October). An educational continuum for at-risk students. Paper presented at Annual Washington State Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Seattle, WA.
  • Cox, J., Girtz, S., & Salina, C. (2009, June). Building teacher leadership capacity. Paper presented at the Washington Association of School Administrators/AWSP June Conference, Spokane, WA.
  • Cox, J., Girtz, S., & Salina, C. (2009, January). Building teacher leadership capacity. Paper presented at the 16th annual Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction January Conference, Seattle, WA.
  • Carper, A., Traynor, J., & Girtz, S. (2009, April). Standards-based assessment: The exchange of information between secondary education, pre-service teachers, and higher education. Paper presented at the OSPI/Higher Education Assessment Conference, Seattle, WA.
  • Salina, C., Cox, J., & Girtz, S. (2009, January). Integrating an alternative school into the comprehensive high school. Paper presented at the 16th annual Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction January Conference, Seattle, WA.
  • Salina, C., Cox, J., & Girtz, S. (2008, November). Reinventing teachers and schools through purposeful, reflective, humanistic supervision. Paper presented at the Annual Washington State Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Conference, Spokane, WA.
  • Girtz, S., & Salina, C. (2008, January). Regional professional development centers – math. Paper presented at the 15th Annual Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction January Conference, Spokane, WA.
  • Duncan, A., McIntyre, K., & Girtz, S. (2007, October). A balanced and interconnected math program. Northwest Mathematics Conference, Bellevue, WA.

Other Conference Participation

  • Girtz, S. (2024, February). Teacher burnout is a myth. Pedagogy of Hope. Gonzaga University. Girtz, S.& Salina, C. (2017, March). Invited keynote – Jesuit Network of Academic Vice Principals. National Conference, Spokane, WA.
  • Girtz, S., Salina, C. & Eppinga, J. (2016, May). Invited contribution - Together we will. Washington Association of Educational Grant Managers. State Conference, Yakima, WA.
  • Girtz, S. & Salina, C. 2015). Invited contribution – OSPI Graduation: A Team Effort Summit meetings. OSPI, Olympia, WA.
  • Girtz, S., Salina, C. & Eppinga, J. (2015). Invited contribution – Powerless to Powerful, book reading. Aunties bookstore, Spokane, WA.
  • Girtz, S. & Salina, C. (2015). Invited contribution – Developing a statewide framework/model that supports increased high school graduation rates. Graduation Success Summit 2. GATEs – OSPI, Olympia, WA.
  • Girtz, S. (2014, Feburary). Invited contribution – Plenary session: State and local advocacy. AILACTE Annual Conference, Indianapolis, IN.
  • Girtz, S. (2013, April). Invited contribution - What is the role and responsibility of educator preparation programs to foster and sustain effectiveness? Critical question series, Curriculum in Context, Washington State ASCD, http://www.wsascd.org/index.php?option=com_content&view =article&id=55&Itemid=71
  • Girtz, S. (2013). What is the role and responsibility of educator preparation programs to foster and sustain effectiveness? ASCDEdge. http://edge.ascd.org/_What-is-the-role-and- responsibility-of-educator-preparation-programs-to-foster-and-sustain- effectiveness/blog/6509383/127586.html`
  • Girtz, S. (2011, April). Piloting the NCATE continuous improvement option. 8th Annual PESB/Preparation Forum, Spokane, WA.
  • Carper, A., Traynor, J., & Girtz, S. (2009, April). Standards-based assessment: The exchange of information between secondary education, pre-service teachers, and higher education. Paper presented at the OSPI/Higher Education Assessment Conference, Seattle, WA.
  • Girtz, S. (2008, November). Faculty talk: Grants in education and leadership. Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA.
  • Duncan, A., McIntyre, K., & Girtz, S. (2007, October). A balanced and interconnected math program. Northwest Mathematics Conference, Bellevue, WA.
  • Girtz, S. (2007, October). Embracing assessment as learning for adult learners of mathematics. Northwest Mathematics Conference, Bellevue, WA.

Grants

  • ESD 101. (2016-17). Educators for the 21st Century 2015-16 Professional Development Grant Program. Washington Student Achievement Council. Washington Student Achievement Council.
    Co-Principal Investigator, Educators for the 21st Century 2015-16 Professional Development Grant Program (2015-2016), ESD 101.
  • ESD 101. (2015-16). Educators for the 21st Century 2015-16 Professional Development Grant Program. Washington Student Achievement Council.
  • Girtz, S., & Cox, J. (2013). Sunnyside high school initiative impact inquiry. Sunnyside School District.

  • Girtz, S., Cox, J., & Salina, C. (2010-2012). Sunnyside SIG program and grant evaluation. Sunnyside School District.

  • Girtz, S. (2010, December). Washington teacher performance assessment. Stuart Foundation via University of Washington.

  • Conners, D. A., Cox, J. A., Girtz, S., Poutiatine, M., & Salina, C. V. (2007, May). Gonzaga University regional professional development centers: Creating powerful and equitable learning. Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board.