معرفی
Sophie C. Degener, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Reading & Literacy at the National College of Education, National Louis University. She teaches courses in beginning literacy, reading research, and literacy methods to graduate and doctoral students, chairs the Reading M.Ed. Program, and focuses on bridging practical literacy instruction with theoretical foundations. Her work emphasizes equity, family literacy, and pre-service teacher preparation.
- Ed.D. in Language and Literacy, Harvard University Graduate School of Education (2006)
- M.A.T. in Elementary Education, National-Louis University (1990)
- B.A. in English, University of Vermont (1988)
Dr. Degener’s research explores family literacy, differentiated instruction, and culturally responsive teaching. She investigates strategies to support educators in tailoring literacy instruction to students’ unique needs, with a focus on equity and accessibility in K-6 classrooms. Her collaborations with districts and schools inform both her teaching and advocacy for systemic reform.
Her recent publications address equity in teacher education, bilingual literacy, and systemic barriers to inclusive pedagogy. These works often analyze intersections between theory and classroom practice, emphasizing teacher reflection and student-centered approaches.
Dr. Degener mentors graduate students in literacy education and serves as Associate Editor for the Illinois Reading Council Journal, co-editing its Professional Development column. She collaborates with local schools on professional development programs and draws on her prior teaching experience in Evanston/Skokie District 65 to contextualize her research and instruction.
