Department of Learning, Teaching and Curriculum

Dr. Eric Groce is a professor in the elementary education program at Appalachian State University, where he teaches courses in social studies methods. He has served over 20 years in academic roles for several universities including Mississippi State University and the University of Texas at Tyler.

He holds a Ph.D. in educational psychology with a cognate in gifted education from Texas A&M University. His research areas include elementary social studies methods, critical literacy, and authentication of trade books.

He has published and presented at the international and national level and his articles have appeared in Social Education, Social Studies Research and Practice, Social Studies and the Young Learner, Middle Level Learning, and Educational Measurement: Issues and Practice. He has also provided service to national and state organizations through leadership and support roles.

He has served on the Carter G. Woodson Book Award committee and is a two time member of the NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People committee. Additionally, he served as the historical consultant and associate producer for the award-winning movie Papa, noting "we should never forget" about the Normandy village of Graignes during the D-Day invasion. His book, The Canteen, about the North Platte, Nebraska contribution to the World War II Homefront was published in October 2022.

He was awarded the Outstanding Teaching Award for the Reich College of Education for the 2016-2017 academic year.

He is a former elementary grades teacher who taught in Goose Creek CISD and College Station ISD in Texas and at the App State Academy at Middle Fork in Walkertown, North Carolina. 

He lives in Blowing Rock, North Carolina with his wife Robin and their dogs, Chico and Jackson. He enjoys playing golf, watching the Red Sox and Texas Aggies, and spending time with family.