Exploring Research for Effective Literacy Instruction in the Elementary Grades

Dr. Debra Coffey is an associate professor who enjoys teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in the
Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education at Kennesaw State University. She has written
numerous chapters, articles, and textbooks, highlighting innovations with digital literacy, multicultural literature,
and evidence-based strategies for literacy development. Dr. Coffey’s impact extended globally through
professional development sessions for teachers in Belize, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. She brings a wealth of
experience in teaching students from preschool to university levels. Recognized for her outstanding contributions
to literacy education, Dr. Coffey received the prestigious 2018 ALER A.B. Herr Award.
At the national level, Dr. Coffey has established collaborative networks as the Chair of Divisions and
committees in the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers. She has led local, national, and international
literacy projects and conferences as the KSU Phi Kappa Phi President, KSU Kappa Delta Pi Chapter
Advisor, and the State Field Council Representative for the Literacy Research Association. Internationally,
Dr. Coffey advances literacy education on a global scale as the Executive Director of the International Alliance
for Invitational Education and President of the CARE Special Interest Group of the International Literacy
Association.