Kerry H. Alexander

Dr. Kerry H. Alexander is an Assistant Professor of Literacy Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership at the University of Maryland, College Park. She holds a Ph.D. in Language and Literacy Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. Her research focuses on sociocultural dimensions of early literacy, critical literacy, and justice-focused coaching, emphasizing equitable practices in elementary education. Alexander has published extensively in journals such as Language Arts, English Education, and Journal of Education and Social Justice, and co-authored works on teacher education and equity-focused networks. She teaches courses like ‘Materials and Instruction for Creating Skilled and Motivated Readers’ and ‘Culturally Responsive Language and Literacy Teaching.’

Her work integrates community-centered inquiry, exploring how state policies shape classroom practices and teacher identities. Recent research includes playful languaging, neuro-affirming pedagogies, and critical discourse analyses around literacy instruction. Alexander previously taught elementary English Language Arts for ten years and is committed to supporting preservice teachers through mentorship and anti-racist professional discernment.

Dr. Alexander leads the Elementary Writing Teacher Development and Practice: From UMD to MS DoE grant, funded by UMD’s College of Education. She mentors graduate students interested in connecting teaching practice with research, particularly those with public elementary school experience. Her lab, part of the Literacy, Language, and Social Innovation (LLSI) initiative, focuses on innovative literacy education strategies.