Literacy Studies

Faculty and students in the Literacy Studies program at the Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder School of EducationÌýstudy and design literacies in print and multimodal modes and in varied contexts. In our courses and inquiries, literacies are framed as central to envisioning and enacting expansive and justice-centered theories and practices for teaching, learning, imagination, and self-expression in K-12 schools, informal learning spaces, and communities. Grounded in critical, social, and interpretive conceptions of literacy, our program highlights the interrelations among theory, research, practice, policy, and the potential for equitable social change.

What can you do if you study Literacy Studies?

This emphasis supports teachers and researchers who are interested in developing greater understanding and expertise in the teaching and learning of literacy. We combine engaged and meaningful preparation for teaching and research in literacy and English education in partnership with children, youth, and families, and educator colleagues. Coursework and school and community engagement is centered on honoring and attending to experiences and identities at the intersections of race, language, gender, sexuality, ability, and economic opportunity. The program prepares and engages teachers, and the PhD prepares you for careers in research and teaching in university settings and educational leadership in schools and communities.

ÌýÌýExplore MA programÌýÌý ÌýÌýÌýÌýExplore PhD programÌý

Meet Our Faculty

Ashley Cartun

Program Director for Secondary HumanitiesAssociate Teaching Professor
Humanities EducationLiteracy Studies

Adam Crawley

Associate Teaching Professor
Literacy Studies

Elizabeth Dutro

ProfessorBob and Judy Charles Endowed Chair of Education
Literacy StudiesHumanities Education

Lightning Jay

Assistant Professor of Literacy and Social Studies Education
Literacy StudiesTeacher Learning, Research & Practice

AJ Schiera

Assistant Professor
Literacy StudiesHumanities EducationTeacher Learning, Research & Practice

Kathy Schultz

Dean EmeritaProfessor
Educational Foundations, Policy & Practice

Sara Staley

Associate Professor and Program ChairCo-Founder and Co-Director
Teacher Learning, Research & PracticeHumanities EducationA Queer Endeavor

Program Chair

Silvia Noguerón-Liu

Associate ProfessorProgram Chair
Literacy Studies

Interested in our graduate programs?

Graduate students

We offer Colorado’s top-ranked graduate education in multiple program areas and would love to to provide you with relevant information about our programs. We look forward to learning about your graduate studies journey!

Fall 2023 Information Sessions

ÌýÌýSchool of Education Graduate Studies Preview Evening - Tuesday, October 27, 5 - 7 pm MT

Anyone interested in pursuing a graduate degree (MA or PhD) in the School of Education is welcome to register for this on-campus event. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about their program area from current graduate students and/or graduate faculty and observe a current School of Education graduate seminar.
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