David Scanga, EdD
The USF College of Education welcomes David Scanga, Ed.D. as the new director of the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching.
As the director, Scanga will support the mission of the Anchin Center to expand and enhance educator professional initiatives; and will create additional opportunities for practice-to-research collaborations that improve the teaching profession and the quality of education. A core Anchin Center belief is that all students should have access to excellent teachers and rich educational experiences. Accordingly, Scanga will lead the center’s efforts to strengthen relationships with SunCoast school districts and community partners as well as local, state and national educational organizations.
Scanga’s professional career in the field of education spans over 40 years. Certified as a school psychologist, Dr. Scanga worked in West Virginia and Pennsylvania before traveling overseas to work in international schools in Zambia, Saudi Arabia and Japan. Upon his return to the United States, Florida became his home and workplace for the last 28 years. Receiving recognition for leadership in administrative roles with Pasco County Schools, Scanga served as a behavior specialist, a principal, the director of research and accountability and an assistant superintendent.
In addition to his work in school systems, Scanga taught undergraduate and graduate courses as an adjunct professor at Saint Leo University for 22 years. Scanga earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Saint Francis University, a master’s in Educational Psychology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of South Florida, where his research focused on the relationships between school leadership practices and the effective uses of technology in schools.
Scanga has co-authored several book chapters on systems theory, network thinking and the principalship. He has shared his research findings at several conferences, including the University Council of Educational Administration, the International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership and the Florida Council for Exceptional Children.
Scanga begins his appointment on April 24.