معرفی
William Dee Nichols is a Professor of Literacy Education and Director of the School of Learning and Teaching at the University of Maine’s College of Education and Human Development. He previously served as Dean of the College (2013–2016) and held faculty positions at Cumberland College, Western Carolina University, and Virginia Tech University. His research focuses on fluency development, vocabulary instruction, and early literacy foundations, with an emphasis on professional development for educators.
Education: Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (Literacy Emphasis) from Texas A&M University (1995), M.A.Ed. in Elementary Education from Appalachian State University (1991), and B.S. in Middle School Education (Science/Language Arts) from Appalachian State University (1988).
Research Interests: Nichols prioritizes improving reading instruction through evidence-based practices, including poetry integration, prosodic reading strategies, and early literacy interventions. His work bridges theory and practice, emphasizing teacher training and equitable access to literacy development tools.
Awards: Recipient of the 2013 Outstanding Alumni Award (Texas A&M) and the 2016–17 Dean’s Research and Creative Achievement Award (UMaine).
Teaching: Courses include EHD 101: The Art and Science of Teaching and ERL 537: Literacy Across the Curriculum. He also advises on graduate seminars and literacy methods for K–12 educators.
Professional Contributions: Served as Director of the School of Teaching and Learning at Western Carolina University and Chair of the Balanced Literacy SIG for the International Reading Association. Active in publishing research on literacy pedagogy and educational equity.
