Anne Peel

Anne Peel is an Associate Professor of Literacy in the Department of Special Education, Language, and Literacy at The College of New Jersey's School of Education, where she has served since 2012 after promotion from Assistant Professor (2012-2018). Her expertise spans critical literacy, children's literature, and multimodal composition with emphasis on K-12 educational equity.

Her educational background includes:

• EDD in Literacy, Rutgers University Graduate School of Education (2012)
• MEd in Secondary Education, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (1998)
• B.A. in English Literature, Vassar College (1996)

Peel's research investigates how diverse texts and digital media foster critical engagement, focusing on social justice in literacy practices. She examines representation in children's literature, multimodal writing approaches, and challenges to standardized assessments, with particular attention to adolescent learners and inclusive pedagogy.

Analysis of her publication history reveals consistent innovation in literacy education, with growing emphasis on digital composition (podcasting, graphic novels) and critical approaches to canonical texts. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical classroom strategies across elementary, secondary, and teacher education contexts.

Her scholarly contributions have been recognized through:

• Mary Cudemo-Shurig Literacy Award (2023)
• Support of Scholarly Activities (SOSA) Award (2023)
• Support of Scholarly Research Awards (2016, 2013)
• Mentored Undergraduate Summer Experience (MUSE) (2014)
• Edward Fry Graduate Fellowship in Literacy (2012)

As an academic mentor, Peel guides undergraduate researchers through the MUSE program and serves as Faculty Mentor for the Roscoe Educators program. Her research has been supported by multiple internal grants including SOSA and two Support of Scholarly Research Awards, enabling community-engaged scholarship in literacy education.

She leads the Literacy Justice Initiative and coordinates the Secondary Special Education 5-Year Masters Program, while facilitating School of Education Scholar Seminars and serving on key committees including Department Promotions and Reappointment.