FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 6, 2006
For more information contact:
Millie Davis, 800-369-6283, ext. 3630, or
Beth Cady, 800-336-7323, ext. 2293

Literacy Coaching Clearinghouse Director

The National Council of Teachers of English and the International Reading Association are pleased to announce that Nancy Shanklin has been appointed the director of the new Literacy Coaching Clearinghouse — a joint project of IRA and NCTE. The Clearinghouse will be located at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center.

NCTE & IRA Presidents Comment on Shanklin NCTE President Kyoko Sato:  "Her academic preparation, teaching, and co-director responsibilities at the University of Colorado...make her a highly qualified director." IRA Board of Director's President Richard Allington:  "Nancy has a distinguished body of work focused on helping teachers personalize literacy instruction, especially for struggling readers."

“The Clearinghouse is a new collaborative project between the National Council of Teachers of English and the International Reading Association designed to provide information to teachers, administrators, and other educators about factors contributing to literacy program success at diverse schools across the country,” Shanklin says. “As educators we need to increase the literacy learning for all students in educational settings . . . students who are not reading and writing well, those who are English language learners, and those who do well but ought to be further engaged and challenged. Literacy coaching can help teachers deepen their professional knowledge and become better decision makers in their work with literacy learners.”

“We’re very fortunate to have Nancy Shanklin serve in the role of Literacy Coaching Clearinghouse director,” says NCTE Executive Director Kent Williamson. “Her deep knowledge of coaching, experience as a literacy educator at K-12 levels, and extensive record of research make her ideally suited to achieving the vision we share of the Clearinghouse.”

Alan Farstrup, executive director of the International Reading Association, is encouraged that Shanklin has agreed to serve as director adding, “Ms. Shanklin brings knowledge of not only Web technology and potentials, but also solid knowledge about literacy, reading instruction, and the needs of schools and school districts in this important area.” 

To schedule an interview with Shanklin, please contact or 800-369-6283, ext. 3630.

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