At Penn State World Campus, quality education starts with real Penn State faculty who teach online. For more than 25 years, Penn State faculty have been an integral part of the University’s mission to expand access to a Penn State education online.
Dr. Elisa Hopkins is one of those dedicated educators.
A teaching professor in the Penn State College of Education, Hopkins teaches graduate-level courses in the curriculum and instruction master’s degree program through Penn State World Campus. The curriculum and instruction master’s degree is one of several graduate programs offered online by the College of Education.
Her work centers on children’s and adolescent literature, and she brings a deep passion for storytelling, critical inquiry, and inclusive learning to her virtual classroom.
Hopkins combines academic rigor with a student-centered approach that emphasizes curiosity, connection, and social justice. She believes that students’ questions matter — and that learning begins with authentic engagement.
As lead faculty for the World Campus children’s literature program, she also plays a key role in curriculum development and student advising, having supervised more than 130 master’s papers and projects.
Learn more about Dr. Elisa Hopkins in the Q&A below.
Which courses have you taught online?
I’ve taught several courses in our graduate curriculum and instruction program for Penn State World Campus:
- Myths and Folktales in Children's Literature
- Doing Research in Children's Literature
- Theories of Childhood
- Nonfiction Literature for Children and Adolescents
- Fantasy Literature for Children
- Studies in Literature for Children
- The Art of the Picturebook
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe students have agency as learners and their questions matter. My teaching is guided by a passion for children’s literature, a commitment to social justice, and a belief in the power of discussion and interpretation. Inspired by Maxine Greene’s idea that “critical questioning” is “learning how to learn,” I design courses that encourage reflection, connection, and exploration.
Authenticity is central to my approach — both in teaching and in life.
Describe your contributions to the program in which you teach.
I’ve authored Nonfiction Literature for Children and Adolescents and taught several courses in the Penn State World Campus children’s literature graduate certificate program. As lead faculty, I routinely update course content to reflect new scholarship and student feedback. My background in software development helps me manage complex updates and maintain detailed documentation of every change.
Last year, I was honored to receive a promotion to full teaching professor — a recognition that reflects my ongoing commitment to teaching, curriculum development, and student support.
What do you enjoy most about teaching online?
I love the ongoing interactions I have with students. Because I teach multiple courses and advise many students, I often work with individuals in more than one context. It’s a joy to support students as they deepen their understanding of literature and pursue their educational goals.
How do you support student success in your online courses?
Supporting student success begins with building strong connections. I make it a priority to stay engaged with students throughout the semester — whether through announcements, discussion posts, or direct outreach. If a student misses a post or assignment, I reach out personally to check in and offer support.
Each course begins with self-introductions, which help foster a welcoming environment and lay the foundation for meaningful discussions. Our conversations around literature and scholarly resources create a vibrant learning community where students feel seen, heard, and inspired. It’s energizing to explore and discover together!
Many of the students I advise go on to complete creative projects or research for their master’s papers. These experiences allow them to apply course concepts in powerful, personal ways, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see their ideas take shape and grow.
Share some highlights from your experience teaching online.
One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching online is the sense of presence and connection I feel in our discussion spaces. Every time I log in, it feels like we’re all learning together — sharing ideas, exploring literature, and building a vibrant academic community.
Students often tell me they appreciate the inclusive and welcoming environment I create, as well as the thoughtful feedback and responsiveness I provide. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my support helps them feel confident and engaged.
One standout experience was when a student began writing a nonfiction picturebook during my course on nonfiction literature. In 2023, her book Santiago Saw Things Differently was published by MIT Kids Press–Candlewick. Seeing her creative journey unfold and knowing the course played a role in inspiring it was truly a proud moment.
A Penn State education online
Penn State World Campus has been offering a Penn State education online since 1998 and is consistently recognized as one of the top institutions for online learning in Pennsylvania and the country.
Today, Penn State World Campus offers a comprehensive selection of more than 200 degree and certificate programs.
Faculty like Dr. Elisa Hopkins are the foundation of the diverse variety of programs and academic excellence.
Learn more about the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction that is offered online at Penn State through Penn State World Campus.
