Sarah Lupo

Dr. Sarah Lupo is an Associate Professor in the Middle, Secondary, and Mathematics Department at James Madison University’s College of Education. With over two decades of experience in K-12 education, she specializes in literacy instruction, content-area literacy, and culturally sustaining pedagogy. Her work bridges theoretical research with practical classroom applications to improve literacy outcomes for diverse learners, including English Language Learners and students from nontraditional backgrounds.

• B.A. in Philosophy, James Madison University
• M.A. and Ph.D. in Literacy Education, University of Virginia

Dr. Lupo’s research examines how text complexity, prior knowledge activation, and differentiated instruction impact comprehension across content areas. Her publications emphasize culturally responsive approaches, interdisciplinary learning, and the Science of Reading, particularly in secondary education. She advocates for leveraging students’ existing knowledge and integrating technology to enhance reading accountability.

Dr. Lupo has received prestigious accolades such as the Reading Hall of Fame Emerging Scholars Fellowship, AERA Division C New Faculty Fellow, and Jeanne Chall Fellowship. She co-authored the influential book Teaching Disciplinary Literacy in Grades K-6 (Routledge, 2021) and contributes regularly to journals like Reading Research Quarterly and Review of Educational Research.

• Media Contact: Chad Saylor (saylorcx@jmu.edu)