Faculty Directory
Zafer Unal, Ph.D.
A passionate advocate for engaging, tech-forward learning, Zafer Unal, Ph.D., leads transformative undergraduate initiatives at USF while advancing research that improves accessibility and student success.
Zafer Unal is a professor of education and associate dean of undergraduate studies in the Íøºì±¬ÁÏ’s College of Education. He earned his doctorate in elementary education from Florida State University.
In his role as associate dean, Unal oversees undergraduate academic programs and leads collegewide strategic initiatives focused on student success, curriculum transformation and career readiness outcomes. His administrative work emphasizes innovation, data-informed decision-making and institutional leadership to strengthen undergraduate education.
Unal’s research examines how technology and artificial intelligence can enhance teaching, learning and assessment in K–12 and higher education. He studies how online platforms, AI tutors, learning analytics and digital systems can improve classroom instruction, support diverse learners and reduce instructional burden for educators. His work also includes the design and evaluation of AI-powered tools that help teachers monitor student progress, personalize learning and better understand learner needs.
He has developed multiple nationally recognized AI platforms for educators, including TeacherServer, FacultyServer and GrantServer, which have received regional and national innovation awards. His scholarship spans artificial intelligence in education, teacher preparation, classroom management, online learning and program assessment, and he has published extensively in these areas.
Unal’s expertise includes artificial intelligence in education; learning analytics and student success systems; online learning and instructional technology; teacher preparation and pedagogical innovation; classroom management and case-based instruction; program assessment, accreditation and data systems; K–12 teaching and teacher professional development; and educational research using mixed-methods designs.
Books
Unal, Z. (2024). The Complete Classroom Management Textbook for Preservice & Inservice Teachers: From Theory to Planning, Practice, and Assessment with Real World Cases. 1 398 Amazon ISBN-13 : 979-8332883569
Unal, Z. (2024). The New Faculty Handbook: Mastering Annual, Mid-Tenure, Tenure & Promotion Evaluations: A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Academic Milestones: From Assistant to Full Professor. 1 386 Amazon ISBN-13 : 979-8863188157
Unal, Z. (2011). Web Based vs. Classroom Based Instruction: A comparative study on learning outcomes and course satisfaction of web based vs. classroom based instruction. 1 LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing ISBN-13 : 978-3844313093
Book Chapters
Unal, Z., Unal, A., & Bodur, Y. (2020). Measuring diversity in teacher candidate practicum placements and its relationship to outcomes. In J. Carinci, S. Meyer, C. Jackson. (Eds.), Linking Teacher Preparation Program Design and Implementation to Outcomes for Teachers and Student. 131-151 Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.
Unal, Z, Unal, A (2013). Choosing the Right Course Management System for Distance Education Courses. In H. Yang, & S. Wang (Eds.), Cases on Online Learning Communities and Beyond: Investigations and Applications . 214-238 Hershey, PA: Information Science Reference
Leung, C. & Unal, Z. (2013). Anonymity and Confidentiality in the Conduct of Online Surveys In Rhodes, C. & Weiss, K. (Eds)., Ethical Issues in Literacy Research 129-139 California: Routledge
Journal Articles
Unal, A. & Unal, Z. (2025). Exploring K-12 content-area teachers’ preferences and challenges in using AI tools in graduate coursework. AI Ethics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43681-025-00833-2
Unal, Z (2025). Enhancing Educator Engagement with AI: The TeacherServer Experience and Its Impact on Teaching Practices. Southeastern Regional Association of Teacher Educators (SRATE) Journal. 34 1 1-10
Sauberer, P. G., Unal, Z., Berson, I. R., & Berson, M. J. (2025). Empowering Educators with AI: TeacherServer for Social Studies Classrooms. Social Education. 89 2 100-105
Unal, Z. (2024). Transforming Faculty-Selected Course Materials into Effective Study Tools: The Role of AI in Enhancing Student Learning and Satisfaction. International Journal of E-Learning (IJEL). 23 3 223-240
Unal, A & Unal, Z. (2024). Evaluating the Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in K-12 Education. Journal of Interactive Learning Research (JILR). 35 3 353-387
Unal, A. & Unal, A. (2024). Preparing Preservice Teachers for Classroom Management with the Use of Online Case-based Instruction Strategies. Research Issues in Contemporary Education. 9 1 1-45
Unal, A. & Unal, Z. (2023). Using Online Case-Based Instruction Strategies to Prepare Preservice Teachers for Classroom Management. JouÂÂrnal of Research in Education. 32 2 49-94
Unal, Z. & Unal, A. (2023). Teacher Autonomy and Preferences in Professional Development: A Comprehensive Survey of Florida Educators. Innovare Journal of Education. 11 6 1-10 10.22159/ijoe.2023v11i6.49682
Unal, A. & Unal, Z. (2023). Design of Flipped Lessons in the Classroom and Opinions of Teachers with Different Degrees of Experience. IISTE Journal of Education and Practice. 14 9 26-36
Unal, Z. (2022). Reliability Analysis of Flipped Classroom Lesson Design and Evaluation Rubric. Journal of Interactive Learning Research (JILR). 33 1 39-56
Unal, A., Unal, Z. & Bodur, Y. (2022). Differentiated Instruction and Kindergarten
through 5th Grade Teachers. Georgia Educational Researcher. 19 2 10.20429/ger.2022.190202
Unal, A., Unal, Z., & Bodur, Y. (2021). Using flipped classroom in middle schools:
Teachers' perceptions JouÂÂrnal of Research in Education 30 2 91-112
Unal, A., & Unal, Z. (2021). Preparing teachers for different school contexts -An online tool for calculating school demographics for field placements. JouÂrnal of Research in Education. 30 1 29-52
Unal, Z., Unal, A., & Bodur, Y. (2020). Designing an Interactive Gamified Online Case Study Platform for Preparing Preservice Teachers to Work with Parents Journal of Interactive Learning Research 31 2 115-154
Awards
2025 Top Innovation Award (TeacherServer AI Platform)
November 2025 // Tampa Bay Business Journal
The TeacherServer AI tool, developed by Zafer Unal for educators, has been named the
2025 Top Innovation Award winner by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. The Tampa Bay
Innovation Awards recognize and celebrate individuals, organizations, and initiatives
that are driving innovation across the region.
2024 Tech Project of the Year (TeacherServer AI Platform)
November 2025 // Tampa Bay Tech
The TeacherServer AI tool, created for educators by Zafer Unal, has been selected
as the 2024 Tech Project of the Year by the Tampa Bay Tech Community.
Award Link
2021 SITE Conference Outstanding Presentation Award
October 2021 // Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education (SITE)
Unal, Z. & Unal, A. (2021). How Teacher Choice and Voice can Improve Professional
Development Design and Implementation.
2021 AERA Distinguished Paper Award
April 2021 // American Educational Research Association (AERA), United States
Unal, Z., & Unal, A. (2021). Preparing Preservice Teachers for Diverse Classrooms.
2020 EERA Best Professional Paper Award
October 2020 // Eastern Educational Research Association (EERA), United StateUnal, Z. & Unal, A. (2020). Preparing Teachers for Diverse Schools -An Online Tool
for Calculating School Diversity for Field Placements
2019 GERA Conference Best Paper Award
November 2019 // Georgia Educational Research Association (GERA), United States
Unal, A. & Unal, Z. (2019). An examination of K-12 teachers' assessment beliefs and
practices in relation to years of teaching experience.
Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Service
April 2019 // Íøºì±¬ÁÏ, St. Petersburg, United States
Íøºì±¬ÁÏ St. Petersburg, Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Service
Link to Award
2019 AREA Distinguished Paper Award
April 2019 // American Educational Research Association (AERA), United States
Unal, A. & Unal, Z. (2019). An examination of K-12 teachers' assessment beliefs and
practices in relation to years of teaching experience.
Best Paper Award
Aug 2004 // The College Teaching & Learning (TLC) Conference, United States
Best Paper Award for the paper titled "Comparing Student Learning Styles in an Online
Course and an On-Campus Course".
Links
