ISSUED: 19 February 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Dr. Jason Allen, associate professor and coordinator of social studies education at Shepherd University, has been selected as one of the inaugural Fellows in the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) Transformative Teaching Initiative, a national professional development program focused on strengthening teacher preparation through primary source materials.
Allen was chosen through a competitive national selection process recognizing faculty who demonstrate leadership in methods instruction and a commitment to preparing future educators.
Dr. Belinda Mitchell, director of the Shepherd University School of Education, said the recognition points to Allen’s dedication to students.
“This honor highlights Dr. Allen’s steadfast commitment to teaching excellence and his ongoing work in research-informed pedagogy,” Mitchell said. “His dedication ensures that students in the School of Education receive an exceptional and forward-thinking learning experience.”
As part of the fellowship, Allen collaborated with Library of Congress educators and faculty from institutions across the country to expand the integration of primary source materials into teacher education coursework. The initiative emphasizes inquiry-based instruction and provides strategies to help future teachers use historical documents and other primary materials to foster critical thinking in K–12 classrooms.
Participation in the program reflects Allen’s commitment to professional development and advancing high-quality teacher preparation at Shepherd. The fellowship further enhances the University’s educator preparation programs by expanding access to research-informed teaching practices and expanding access to instructional resources.
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