Laura Kelly

Laura Kelly is an Associate Professor of Educational Studies at Rhodes College, specializing in elementary literacy and ESL/bilingual education. Her work focuses on culturally and linguistically diverse educational contexts, with particular attention to urban education policy, immigration, and Latinx children's literature. She previously served as a K-12 classroom teacher for eight years and holds National Board Certification in Early to Middle Childhood Reading and Language Arts.

Dr. Kelly’s research emphasizes biliteracy development, translanguaging practices, and culturally informed pedagogy. She leads the Childhood Biliteracy Research Collaborative, engaging students in community-based literacy projects. Her teaching portfolio includes courses like Urban Education Policy, Education & Immigration, and Latinx Children's Literature.

Her scholarship critically examines the impact of political policies such as 'critical race theory' bans on elementary education, advocating for inclusive curricula that honor student diversity. She has published extensively on topics ranging from bilingual book analysis to translanguaging in community spaces.

• Education: Doctorate in Learning, Literacies, and Technologies from Arizona State University
• Awards: National Board Certification (Early to Middle Childhood Reading/Language Arts)
• Labs/Teams: Childhood Biliteracy Research Collaborative