Ruth Quiroa

Ruth E. Quiroa is Associate Professor of Reading & Language at National Louis University's National College of Education. She teaches children's literature, literacy methods, and doctoral seminars, drawing on her experience as a bilingual elementary teacher. Quiroa directs the Ed.D. Teaching & Learning program's Reading, Language & Literacy major.

Educational background:

• Ph.D. in Education from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• M.Ed. from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential from California State University, Los Angeles
• B.A. in Psychology from Olivet Nazarene University

Research examines:

• Representation of Latinidad in youth literature
• Impact of multicultural literature on instructional practices
• Wordless picture books as literacy tools
• Culturally responsive literacy instruction
• Bilingual/bicultural identity development

Her work emphasizes pedagogical applications of diverse literature.

Quiroa's publications analyze cultural representation in children's literature and transformative literacy practices. Recent work explores visual portrayals of Latinidad and community-based literacy initiatives.

She serves on prestigious literary award committees including Caldecott (2019), Pura Belpré (2013-2014), and Jane Addams Children's Book Award (2020-2022) committees. Quiroa co-chaired the Pura Belpré Award Expansion Task Force and contributed to ALSC diversity initiatives.

She mentors doctoral students and faculty fellows through NLU's CLAVE grant program, supporting Latino scholars in education.