Jan Lacina

Dr. Jan Lacina is the Bezos Family Foundation Endowed Chair in Early Childhood Education and Senior Associate Dean for Research, Graduate Studies & Strategic Partnerships at Texas Christian University's College of Education. A nationally recognized leader in early childhood education and literacy, she has authored over 100 publications and five books, with research focusing on literacy development, children's literature, and teacher preparation.

Her research interests span:

• Early childhood literacy development
• Critical reflection through children's literature
• Writing instruction methodologies
• Teacher preparation programs
• Inclusive educational practices

Dr. Lacina's editorial leadership includes current service as Associate Editor of the Early Childhood Education Journal and former roles as Co-Editor of The Reading Teacher and Editor of the Journal of Research in Childhood Education.

Significant awards and honors:

• Notable Books for a Global Society Practitioner Award (ILA, 2025)
• Jerry Johns Outstanding Teacher Educator Award (ILA, 2023)
• Warren Faculty Fellowship, Holocaust Museum Houston (2022, 2024, 2025)
• Research fellowships at International Youth Library (Germany), University of New Brunswick, and University of Southern Mississippi
• TCU Dean's Teaching Award (2023)

As Senior Associate Dean, she leads research initiatives and graduate programs while maintaining international collaborations through her role as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom Literacy Association and President-Elect of the American Reading Forum.