Spartan scholars’ book on literacy education receives national recognition

A book co-authored by Michigan State University College of Education faculty and alums has received the Gloria J. Ladson-Billings Outstanding Book Award from the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE). Each year, the award recognizes books that advance knowledge in educator preparation and teaching, with a focus on equity and cultural relevance.

Published in 2023 by Harvard Education Press, “Teaching with Literacy Programs: Equitable Instruction for All” offers a practical framework for educators to adapt existing literacy curriculum materials to meet the needs of all students. It emphasizes equitable literacy instruction as a cornerstone of educational equity and provides strategies grounded in culturally relevant, sustaining and antiracist pedagogy.

Cover of the book titled 'Teaching with Literacy Programs: Equitable Instruction for All,' authored by Patricia A. Edwards, Kristen L. White, Laura J. Hopkins, and Ann M. Castle. The cover features an image of a young child reading a book, focusing intently on the pages. — *The cover of “Teaching with Literacy Programs: Equitable Instruction for All”*

“This award is not only a testament to the collective expertise and dedication of our team, but also a reflection of the strong foundation and mentorship we [co-authors of the book] received through the Curriculum Instruction and Teacher Education program,” said co-author and Professor Patricia Edwards. “I am so proud of this achievement and deeply grateful to have collaborated with such talented scholars who are making a profound impact on education.”

The book introduces the CARE model, a four-part process designed to help educators cultivate critical consciousness, analyze materials, reconstruct curricula and reflectively evaluate instruction. This approach helps teachers create inclusive learning environments that build on students’ multiple literacies and reduce educational inequities.

Spartan co-authors include:

Assistant Professor Ann Castle – Department of Teacher Education
Laura J. Hopkins, Ph.D. ’18 (Curriculum Instruction and Teacher Education)
Kristen L. White, B.A. ’95 (Education), Ph.D. ’18 (Curriculum Instruction and Teacher Education)

“This recognition emphasizes the profound impact of Spartans advancing equity and culturally responsive teaching practices,” said Jerlando F. L. Jackson, dean and MSU Research Foundation Professor of Education.

The scholars will be recognized at the AACTE Annual Meeting in Long Beach, California.

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