Laura Staal

Dr. Laura Staal is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP). With over 30 years of experience, she has worked as a certified Reading Recovery teacher, reading specialist, classroom teacher, and professor at institutions like San Jose State University and the University of West Florida. She holds a Master's in Reading from Eastern Michigan University and a PhD in Special Education from the University of New Mexico. Her research focuses on literacy instruction, community partnerships, and innovative teaching methods through music and service-learning.

Education:

• Masters in Reading, Eastern Michigan University
• PhD in Special Education, University of New Mexico

Research Interests: Dr. Staal emphasizes creating caring classroom environments and leveraging children’s literature, bibliotherapy, and service-learning initiatives. She collaborates with organizations like Community in Schools at Prospect and Magnolia Schools in Robeson County, developing literacy programs for underserved communities.

Awards/Grants: No specific awards or grants listed, though her extensive service-learning work reflects community impact.

Labs/Teams: Engaged in service-learning collaboratives with local schools, focusing on literacy improvement through community partnerships.