Gae Connally

Gae Connally serves as a Lecturer and Elementary Certificate Coordinator in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction at Baylor University, teaching undergraduate courses in elementary literacy education. With 35 years of public school experience—including 34 years as a reading specialist—she integrates extensive practical expertise into educator preparation.

Education:

• B.S. in Elementary Education (specializations: Reading, Kindergarten) from Baylor University
• M.S.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Baylor University

Research Focus: Her work centers on literacy education for elementary and early childhood settings, emphasizing universal reading proficiency. Expertise spans English as a Second Language instruction, dyslexia assessment, and evidence-based methodologies including Daily 5 and Reading By Design. She champions teacher development through coaching frameworks validated in K-6 classrooms.

Professional Leadership: As Elementary Certificate Coordinator, she oversees certification pathways while leveraging prior roles as university liaison for professional development schools and intern supervisor. Her 35-year school tenure included ESL coordination, dyslexia specialist duties, and staff development leadership.