Gigi McAllister

Gigi McAllister is a Part-Time Literacy Instructor at the University of Southern Maine (USM), specializing in Literacy, Language, and Culture. She also serves as a literacy specialist at Great Falls Elementary School in Gorham, Maine, with over 24 years of experience in K-6 education, including roles as a special education teacher and fourth-grade instructor. Her academic affiliations include USM's Gorham campus, where she teaches EDU 565 (reading methods).

• Education:
• CAS in Literacy Education (USM)
• MEd in Literacy Education (USM)
• BS in Special Education (University of Maine at Farmington)

Her research focuses on elementary literacy education, informed by her classroom experience. She actively contributes to professional development through presentations at the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) in 2015, 2016, and 2018, and engages in local initiatives like Maine Education Association (MEA) and Reading Round Up events. She reviews books for The Late Bloomer’s Book Blog and writes for Choice Literacy.

• Awards/Honors: National Board Certified Teacher

McAllister advises through her teaching and committee roles, including chairing Nerdcamp Northern New England and serving on the Maine Student Book Award committee. She advocates for inclusive literacy practices and teacher collaboration across educational settings.