Jessica Early

Jessica Early is a Professor of English at Arizona State University (ASU), specializing in English education and secondary literacy. She directs the Central Arizona Writing Project, a local site of the National Writing Project. Her research focuses on culturally responsive writing pedagogy in urban schools and teacher professional development, emphasizing equity for ethnically and linguistically diverse students. Her recent book Next Generation Genres (2022) advocates for writing curricula that bridge civic and academic engagement. Early’s work also explores literacy communities as pathways for underrepresented students to access STEM fields (e.g., Creating Literacy Communities, 2018). She has published widely in journals such as Research in the Teaching of English and presented nationally on writing instruction and social justice.

• University: Arizona State University
• Department: Department of English
• Director: Central Arizona Writing Project

Her expertise spans Composition Studies, secondary education, and social justice in literacy. Recent projects include studies on podcasting as a writing genre, graduate student writing support, and the healing potential of writing. She collaborates with educators globally to design inclusive curricula.

Her research highlights innovative strategies for marginalized students, such as family literacy programs and culturally sustaining pedagogies. Early’s work bridges theory and practice, influencing both classroom teaching and policy.