Patricia A. Edwards

Patricia A. Edwards is a Professor of Language and Literacy in the Department of Teacher Education at Michigan State University (MSU), College of Education. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her work focuses on parent involvement, multicultural literacy, and equity in education, particularly for underserved populations. She has authored acclaimed family literacy programs and over 20 books, including Change is Gonna Come and Partnering with Families for Student Success. Dr. Edwards has served in leadership roles such as Chair of the American Educational Research Association’s Family, School, Community Partnerships SIG, and President of the Literacy Research Association (LRA). She has been recognized with prestigious awards like the LRA’s Oscar S. Causey Award and the AERA Scholars of Color Distinguished Career Contribution Award.

Her research emphasizes culturally responsive pedagogy, family engagement strategies, and dismantling systemic inequities in education. She has advised policymakers, including roles on Michigan’s PreK-12 Literacy Commission and the U.S. Department of Education. Edwards’ community outreach includes collaborations with schools, nonprofits, and international organizations to improve literacy practices. She advocates for teachers to engage families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, ensuring inclusive and equitable education.

Awards include the Reading Hall of Fame induction (2012), 2020 Oscar S. Causey Award (first African American recipient), and 2019 AERA Distinguished Career Award. Her legacy includes mentoring scholars, shaping teacher education, and bridging research with policy. Edwards continues to influence global literacy initiatives through her writings and advocacy.