Keys to Literacy Instruction for the Digital Generation: Unlocking Active Reading and Writing Resources for Teachers and Parents

Elaine Roberts, Ph.D., was an associate professor of Language and Literacy Education at the University of
West Georgia. She was a leader in the development of the Reading Endorsement for the state of Georgia and
has written numerous articles in peer reviewed journals, as well as presented at conferences regionally, statewide,
nationally, and internationally. She was a team member of the State of Georgia, at the Members of the
National Governors Association Institute for Statewide Literacy Initiatives, Carnegie Corporation, at Harvard
University. Her scholarly interests include cultural pedagogy, word study blended with comprehension, active
reading and writing, student creativity, teacher and parent relationships for building life-long learners,
progress monitoring and evidence-based research interventions across the content areas. She initiated the
university reading clinic and supervised it. She taught both elementary and high school and collaborated
with teachers in middle schools to integrate research-based literacy learning. She enjoys working as a literacy
consultant with P-12 schools. Elaine currently resides in San Antonio, Texas.

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.