Althier M. Lazar

Althier M. Lazar is a tenured Professor in the Department of Teacher Education at Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, and former Department Chair (2009–2012). She holds a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania (1993), an MAT from Simmons College (1985), and a BS from Emerson College (1981). Her work focuses on preparing teachers to address the literacy needs of underserved, culturally nondominant communities, particularly multilingual students and urban learners. Lazar emphasizes culturally responsive pedagogy, social equity teaching, and dismantling deficit perspectives through teacher education programs.

Her research explores teacher preparation for equity-mindedness, critical literacy practices, and the role of picture books in addressing structural racism. Notable contributions include co-authoring Schools of Promise for Multilingual Students (2018) and Practicing What We Teach (2011). Lazar’s work bridges theory and practice, advocating for transformative educational policies and professional development that center marginalized voices.

• Education:
  • PhD in Education, University of Pennsylvania, 1993
  • MAT in Education, Simmons College, 1985
  • BS in Education, Emerson College, 1981

Her awards include the Ethel Carruth Sustained Leadership Award (2007) and two Article of the Year Awards from the Journal of Reading Education (2012, 2007). Lazar has also held roles as Adjunct Professor at the University of Pennsylvania (1993–1995) and Associate Professor at West Chester University (1994–2002).

Lazar’s grants and advocacy focus on equity in literacy education, with recent work addressing 21st-century diversity challenges and policy reforms. She collaborates with professional learning communities to foster teacher activism and culturally sustaining pedagogies.