Mindy Legard Larson

Mindy Legard Larson is a Professor of Education at Linfield University. Her professional expertise centers on literacy pedagogy, teacher identity development, and feminist theoretical frameworks in education. She teaches courses such as Teaching Literacy I & II, Social Studies Instruction, and Student Teaching Seminars.

• Education: B.S. from Linfield College, M.S. from Western Oregon University, Ph.D. from Oregon State University.

Her research explores:

• Literacy instruction for elementary students, emphasizing teacher-student interactions and assessment.
• Integration of material feminism and poststructural theory into pedagogical practices.
• Critical analysis of children's literature and its role in promoting inclusivity and challenging heteronormative narratives.

Her publications highlight interdisciplinary trends in education, combining feminist theory, literacy instruction, and teacher agency. She has co-authored textbooks, journal articles, and conference presentations addressing systemic challenges in literacy education and teacher identity formation.

Mindy has mentored Linfield students in research projects and collaborated on studies examining writing identities and curriculum inclusivity. Her work frequently intersects with policy advocacy, emphasizing teacher-driven decision-making and culturally sustaining practices.