Virginia Goatley

Dr. Virginia Goatley is the Dean of the School of Education and a Professor of the Department of Literacy Teaching and Learning at the University at Albany - SUNY. Her primary research interest is preventing reading and writing difficulties for children. Her research focuses on teacher preparation and professional development that supports effective classroom practice, including the accreditation and assessment of teacher preparation programs. In collaboration with colleagues at the Child Research and Study Center, she was co-investigator for two recent federally funded grants through IES and FIPSE, focused on the literacy coursework in teacher preparation programs, with a special emphasis on meeting the needs of all learners. In her earlier project with National Research Center for English Learning and Achievement (CELA), she studied the integration of literacy and social studies across the elementary grades.

Dr. Goatley served as the Department Chair (2013-21), Vice Dean in the School of Education (2008-09), and Interim Dean (2021-23). As Associate Dean for Professional Studies (2003-08) she led several initiatives, including successful national accreditation for School of Education programs, new organization structures for undergraduate education studies students, and numerous community programs (e.g., GEAR-UP grant, National Board Certification Task Force).  In 2011-12, she served as Director of Research for the International Literacy Association while on leave from the university. 

Dr. Goatley is a regular participant in national and state-wide efforts for teacher education and preparation of literacy professionals. She is currently a member of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) Board (Treasurer) and Accreditation Commission, New York State Professional Standards and Practices for Teaching Board (Co-Chair), New York Association of College Teacher Educators (NYACTE) Board (Member), and Board member of the Literacy Research Association (Dec. 2020-23). Previously, she has been a committee member, panelist and/or Board member for national organizations, such as the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) Accreditation Commission, Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Board Member, International Literacy Association's Standards for Literacy Professionals Committee (Lead Writer), and International Literacy Association’s Literacy Research Panel. She was a co-editor of the Journal of Literacy Research, a publication of the Literacy Research Association (2016-19).

In recognition of her research, teaching, and/or service, Dr. Goatley has received several awards, including the Albert J. Kingston Service Award from the Literacy Research Association, Charles C. Mackey Award from the New York Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, University at Albany President’s Excellence in Faculty Academic Service Award, Council Service Award - New York State Reading Association, and the Harold E. Mitzel Award for Meritorious Contribution to Educational Practice Through Research - Journal of Educational Research.

Her publications have appeared in several journals including, Reading Research Quarterly, The Reading Teacher, Reading and Writing Quarterly, Language Arts, Language and Literacy Spectrum, Literacy Research and Instruction, Teachers College Record, Principal, Journal of Literacy Research, and Journal of Educational Research. She is a co-author of several books including The Literacy Specialist: Leadership and Coaching for Classroom, School and Community (with Rita Bean, 4^th edition, 2020), Engaging Elementary Students in Disciplinary Learning and Literacy (TC Press, 2014) and co-editor of The Book Connection: Literacy Learning and Classroom Talk (TC Press/IRA, 1997).