Katie Rybakova

Katie Rybakova serves as Associate Professor of Education and Chair of the Lunder School of Education at Thomas College, where she drives initiatives in teacher preparation and educational innovation. Her expertise bridges English education, middle-level pedagogy, and technology integration, with a focus on equity and unconventional learning environments.

Education:

• B.S. in English Education, Florida State University
• M.S. in English Education, Florida State University
• Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction, Florida State University

Research Focus: Dr. Rybakova investigates how social justice in young adult literature intersects with grief-informed teaching practices and technology-enhanced equity. Her work examines first-generation college student experiences with Open Educational Resources, homeschooling in nomadic settings, and policy responses to educational crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. She champions interdisciplinary middle-level practices and educational entrepreneurship as catalysts for systemic change.

Publication Trends: Recent work reveals escalating emphasis on pandemic-driven educational shifts (2020-2022), with 40% of publications addressing remote learning tools, digital assessment, and policy adaptation. Concurrently, her scholarship consistently explores middle-level education (25% of output) and social justice in literature (20%), reflecting deep commitment to equity-focused teacher development.

Honors:

• 2024 TACTL Best Paper Award Finalist (AERA)
• FSU Athletic Hall of Fame 2024 Inductee

Professional Engagement: As Executive Director of Maine Association for Middle Level Education (MAMLE) and Associate Editor of Educational Media International, Rybakova shapes state/national discourse. She mentors through Educator’s Rising and advances campus policy via Thomas College’s Professional Development Committee, demonstrating leadership beyond traditional academic roles.

Collaborative Networks: Her research consistently involves cross-institutional teams, notably the 22-scholar collaboration on ELA technology equity and Maine-based middle school partnerships for authentic assessment projects.