Education

  • Ph.D. 2016 – The University of Georgia, Qualitative Research, Language & Literacy Education, Women’s Studies
  • M.A.T. 2004 – Georgia College & State University, English Education
  • M.A. 2003 – Georgia College & State University, English Literature
  • B.A. 2001 – Mercer University, English Literature

Areas of Expertise

  • Qualitative Methodologies
  • Qualitative Interviewing and Focus Groups
  • Teaching Qualitative Research
  • Equity and Social Justice in Qualitative Research
  • Feminist and Queer Theories
  • LGBTQ+ Issues in Education

Background

Stephanie Anne Shelton specializes in qualitative research, with particular interests in interviewing, focus groups, feminist and queer theories, and LGBTQ+ issues in educational settings. In addition to seven books, Shelton has published a range of articles in outlets such as Qualitative Inquiry, International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, International Review of Qualitative Research, Qualitative Research Journal, GLQ: A Journal of Lesbian and Gay Studies, English Education, and Teaching and Teacher Education. In recognition of her scholarship, she was the 2020 recipient of the American Educational Research Association’s Division D Early Career Award in Measurement and Research Methodology, 2021 National Council of Teachers of English LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Leadership Award, 2022 Nellie Rose McCrory Teaching Excellence Award, 2022 American Library Association’s Choice Book Award, 2023 Divergent Award for Excellence in Literacy Advocacy, 2023 Texas Woman’s University Visiting Scholar, and 2024 University of Georgia LLED Distinguished Alumni Award. Her scholarship has been funded by the Spencer Foundation, American Educational Research Association, National Council of Teachers of English, the SEC Faculty Grant Program, the Georgia Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Research

Stephanie Anne Shelton is a qualitative methodologist who specializes in interview- and focus group-based research. Feminist and queer theories regularly inform her scholarship, as she examines methodological concepts such as reflexivity, informed consent, bias, and subjectivity. A former K-12 teacher who cares deeply about student learning, she also explores pedagogical practices in qualitative inquiry, including the ways that students learn to design and implement qualitative studies that center equity and social justice as core methodological tenets. She also explores LGBTQ+ issues in educational settings, particularly sociopolitically restrictive contexts. She currently serves as editor of the Journal of Queer and Trans Studies in Education.