VITA Name: Sara D. Simonson Present Position: Literacy Professor Department of Curriculum & Instruction Western Illinois University Academic Background: Augustana College Rock Island, IL Elementary Education/Science BS Western IL University Macomb, IL Reading Education MS University of Iowa Iowa City, IA Literacy/Secondary Reading/ PhD Elementary Education Areas of Special ization: Literacy Secondary Reading Leadership in Reading Content Area Reading Strategies Effective Vocabulary Instruction Areas of Certif ication: K-9 Elementary Education Title One Reading Reading Specialist Personal Data: Work: Western Illinois University Home: 561 105th Street Department of Curriculum & Instruction Avon, IL 61415 Horrabin Hall 48d 309-426-2750 Macomb, IL 61455 309-298-2510 or 309-298-1961 FAX: 309-298-2222 Employment Record: Reading Consultant Macomb Community Unit School District #185 (K-12) Macomb, IL 2005-2007 Professor Western IL University Macomb, IL 1990- Reading Specialist Monmouth School District Monmouth, IL 1986-1990 Title 1 Reading 7th & 8th Grades Study Skills Coordinator 4th-8th Grades Reading Specialist Grades K-8 Volleyball Coach Grade 7 Asst. Track Coach Grades 7 & 8 Title 1 Reading Hamilton School District Hamilton, IL 1985-1986 Grades 1-8 Volleyball Coach Grade 7 Asst. Track Coach Grades 7 & 8 Cheerleading Coach Grades 7 & 8 Graduate Assistant Western IL University Macomb, IL 1984-1985

Publications: Simonson, S.D. (2008). Professional development: Got your M&Ms? Wishing you magnificent,

magical moments. Illinois Reading Council Journal, 36, 55-58. Simonson, S.D. (2008). Professional development: Why purchase the SUV when the VW Bug

will our perform it? (And other ways to save money to spend on books!) Illinois Reading Council Journal, 36, 56-58.

Simonson, S.D. (2008). Professional development: Passion, Rod Stewart, and fabulous new

reading texts: What’s the connection? Illinois Reading Council Journal, 36, 45-48. Simonson, S.D. (2008). Professional development: The view from a differentiated classroom.

Illinois Reading Council Journal, 36, 51-55. Simonson, S.D. (2007). Professional development: Wanna do lunch and discuss scrumptious

new reads? Illinois Reading Council Journal, 36, 44-47.

Simonson, S.D. (2007). Professional development: Inquiring minds want to know. Illinois Reading Council Journal, 35, 56-59.

Simonson, S.D. (2007). Professional development: Oh, the possibilities. Illinois Reading Council

Journal, 35, 36-38. Simonson, S.D. (2007). Professional development: What new seeds of knowledge will be

planted in your mind? Illinois Reading Council Journal, 35, 65-68. Simonson, S.D. (2006). Professional development: What are your reading resolutions for the

new year? Illinois Reading Council Journal, 35, 42-45. Simonson, S.D. (2006). Professional development: Brushes with fame: Which literacy

educator do you boast about meeting? Illinois Reading Council Journal, 34, 42-45. Simonson, S.D. (2006). Professional development: Have you hit a “Blue Moon”

lately? Illinois Reading Council Journal, 34, 54-57. Simonson, S.D. (2006). Professional development: Are you wondering and wandering looking

for explanations, answers, ideas, or enlightenment? Illinois Reading Council Journal, 34, 65-67.

Wilcox, S., Brush, D., Simonson, S.D., & Beard, M. (2005-06). Online modules 1-10 Literacy to

learn: Reading and writing across the curriculum. United Star Distance Learning Consortium.

Simonson, S.D. (2005). Module 4: Content Area Reading. Illinois State Board of Education

Teachers’ Academy. Best Practices in Reading: The Middle Grades and Beyond: 4-8. Simonson, S.D. (2005). Effective instructional practices for content area classrooms at the

secondary level. Illinois State Board of Education’s Principal’s Flipchart.

Simonson, S.D. (2005). Professional development: Are you planning your “after the holidays” fitness program? Don’t forget to stretch your mind! Illinois Reading Council Journal, 34, 59-61.

Simonson, S.D. (2005). Professional development: What are you toting in your bookbag?

Illinois Reading Council Journal, 33, 54-57.

Simonson, S.D. (2005). Professional development: What will energize you this summer and encourage you to daydream about the “what-ifs” for fall 2005? Illinois Reading Council Journal, 33, 53-56.

Simonson, S.D. (2005). Professional development: What are you packing this spring break?

Illinois Reading Council Journal, 33, 59-61. Simonson, S.D. (2005). Professional development: Gift certificates burning a hole in your

pocket? Not anymore! Illinois Reading Council Journal, 33, 73-76. Simonson, S.D. (2004). Professional development: What’s on your nightstand? New

professional books from authors who “show” what effective instruction looks like! Illinois Reading Council Journal, 32, 57-59.

Simonson, S.D. (2001). Module 2: Supporting vocabulary, word analysis, and word study.

Illinois State Board of Education’s Meeting the Challenge: 3-5. Macomb, IL: Curriculum Publications Clearinghouse.

Simonson, S.D. (2001). Module 3: Supporting readers in the content areas. Illinois State

Board of Education’s Meeting the Challenge: 3-5. Macomb, IL: Curriculum Publications Clearinghouse.

Simonson, S.D. (1997). Building trust and community in the classroom. In D.Muse (Eds.), The

new press guide to multicultural resources for young readers (pp. 581-585). New York: The New Press.

Simonson, S.D. (1997). Multiculturalism in the middle school: One aspect of a community of

learners. In D. Muse (Eds.), Handbook of multicultural children’s literature (pp. 826-832). New York: (Reprinted from MultiCultural Review, 4, 36-42, by S.D. Simonson, 1995).

Simonson, S.D. (1995). A historical view of content area reading instruction. Reading Psychology, 16, 99-147.

Simonson, S.D. (1995). Multiculturalism in the middle school: One aspect of a community of

learners. MultiCultural Review, 4, 36-42.

Simonson, S.D., White, M., & Curry, S. (1996). Angles on geometry. Book Links, 6, 25-30. Simonson, S.D. (1996). Special needs children's books. Missouri English Bulletin, 54, 100-112. Simonson, S.D. (1996). Excerpt from a written text. In B. Sunstein & E. Chiseri-Strater,

FieldWorking. Blair Press of Prentice Hall, Chapter 4, p. 22.

Grants: McCaw, D., Watkins, S., Simonson, S.D., & Borgia, L. (2004). The middle school and beyond.

Illinois State Board of Education, $77, 278.00. Simonson, S.D. (1993). The use of multicultural novels in pre-student teaching field

experience. WIU Foundation, $1197.00. Critique / Evaluation of Unpublished Manuscripts McGraw-Hill Publishers Teaching the Struggling Reader Spring 2004 McGraw-Hill Publishers A Balanced Approach to Literacy Instruction Spring 2001 Addison Wesley Longman Publishers Ronald Cramer’s Creative Power: The Nature & Nurture of Children’s Writing Fall 1999 Conference Presentations: International: 2nd International Conference on Education, Economy and Society Paris, France, July 21-24, 2010 Ferree, A., Stinnett, M., & Simonson, S.D. “Meeting Teachers’ Challenges in the 21st

Century: What Works & What Doesn’t” International Reading Association 52nd Annual Convention Toronto, Ontario, Canada, May 13-17, 2007 Simonson, S.D., Downing, E., Lewis, W.J., Krey, N., & Castle, M. “Effective Reading and

Writing Practices: Developing Critical Literacy in Diverse Discourse Communities” (Proposal Accepted—Did Not Attend)

Hawaii International Conference on Education

Honolulu, Hawaii, January 4-7, 2005 Simonson, S.D. “Word Play in the Intermediate Grades? Yes, Let the Celebration of Language Continue!” International Whole Language Umbrella of NCTE Literacies for All Summer Institute: Reading & Writing the Lives of Children St. Paul, Minnesota, July 24-27, 2003 (Originally scheduled in Toronto, Canada) Simonson, S.D., Borgia, L., & Ferree, A. “Language Celebration! Engaging Students at the Middle Level” Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference Nashville, Tennessee, March 19-23, 2002. Simonson, S.D., Philhower, S., Greer, R., Allen, J., Witten, B. “Cyber-Cerebration: Edge Happenings at Western Illinois University”

17th World Congress on Reading Ocho Rios, Jamaica, July 21-24, 1998.

Simonson, S.D. “Initiating the Conversation Among Preservice Teachers” Whole Language Umbrella Seventh Annual International Conference

St. Paul, Minnesota, August 1-4, 1996. Simonson, S.D. "Creating a Community of Learners and Expanding Horizons: A Multifaceted Approach Integrating Multi-Ethnic Literature." Whole Language Umbrella Sixth Annual International Conference

Windsor, Ontario, Canada, July 27-30, 1995. Simonson, S.D. "Integrating Multi-Ethnic Literature: Exploring Issues of Diversity in Rural Communities." National:

International Reading Association 55th Annual Convention Chicago, Illinois, April 25-28, 2010. Simonson, S.D. “Celebrating Language Through Wondrous Wordplay” International Reading Association 53rd Annual Convention Atlanta, Georgia, May 3-8, 2008. Borgia, L., & Simonson, S.D. “Podcasts and Vocabulary: In-Classroom Practice.” (Proposal Accepted--Did Not Attend) Technology, Reading, & Learning Diversity 2008 Conference: Create Paths of Opportunity, San Francisco, California, January 24-26, 2008. Borgia, L., & Simonson, S.D. “Podcasts and Vocabulary: An Instructional Enhancement.” (Proposal Accepted--Did Not Attend) College Reading Association Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 26-29, 2006.

Simonson, S.D. South “African Schools: A Chronicle of Experiences with Teachers and Their Students” (Proposal Accepted—Did Not Attend)

Whole Language Umbrella Literacies for All Summer Institute Charlotte, North Carolina, July 13-16, 2006. Simonson, S.D. & Krey, N. “Expanding Approaches to Critical Literacy” International Reading Association 51st Annual Convention Chicago, Illinois, April 30-May 4, 2006. Simonson, S.D. “Word Play in Middle School? Yes, Inspire Students With a Celebration of Language!”

Teaching Academic Study Skills West Palm Beach, Florida, March 11-13, 2001.

Simonson, S.D. “Strategies Capitalizing on Student Investment & Interest” National Council of Teachers of English 1998 Spring Conference

Albuquerque, New Mexico, March 19-21, 1998. Simonson, S.D. “Preservice Teachers, Multiethnic Literature, & Rural Communities: Exploring Beliefs in a Field Experience Practicum”

46th Annual Meeting of the National Reading Conference Charleston, South Carolina, December 4-7, 1996.

Simonson, S.D. Chair: "School Literacy vs. Social Realities: The Experiences of Culturally Diverse Children and Families in Rural America" Symposium The 6th Annual Conference of the Institute for the Study of Postsecondary Pedagogy Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York, November 20-22, 1996. Simonson, S.D. "The Influence of Technology on Teacher Education Credential Portfolios" Seventh Annual National Student Success Conference

Dallas, Texas, March 7 & 8, 1994. Simonson, S.D. "Integrating Reading Strategies & Literature Selections to Enhance Content Area Comprehension." International Reading Association 38th Annual Convention

San Antonio, Texas, April 26-30, 1993. Colvin, C., Galles, L., Ross, P., & Simonson, S.D. "Exploring the Language of Learning: Integrating Reading and Writing Strategies to Motivate and Enhance Content Area Comprehension." Regional: 34th Plains Regional Conference, International Reading Association

Overland Park, Kansas, November 8-11, 2007. Borgia, L., Simonson, S.D., & Owles, C. “Podasts and Vocabulary: An Instructional Enhancement.” NCTE Professional Development Services - Conflict and Consensus: Exploring Diversity

and Standards in the Portfolio Movement New Orleans, Louisiana, January 16-18, 1997.

Simonson, S.D. "A Different Twist in Portfolio Practicality: Teacher Education Credential Portfolios." 1st Combined International Reading Association Regional Conference (Great Lakes & Southeast)

Nashville, Tennessee, November 11-15, 1995. Simonson, S.D. "Balancing Diversity: Integrating Multi-Ethnic Literature in Rural Communities." Fifteenth West Regional Conference, International Reading Association

Reno, Nevada, February 24-26, 1994. Simonson, S.D. "Supporting Content Area Learning with Literature and Reading Strategies." Tenth Great Lakes Regional Reading Conference, International Reading Association Rosemont, Illinois, September 22-24, 1993. Simonson, S.D. "Integrating Reading Strategies and Literature Selections to Enhance Content Area Comprehension." Sixth Annual Reading and Study Skills Conference

Kansas City, Missouri, March 1 & 2, 1993. Simonson, S.D. "Fortify Your Science Class . . . With Reading Strategies."

Fifth Annual Midwest Regional Reading and Study Skills Conference

Kansas City, Missouri, March 12 & 13, 1992. Simonson, S.D. "Exploring Expository Text." State:

Illinois State Board of Education Teachers’ Academy Module 4: Training Teachers in Grades 4-8 (Staff Development) June 13, 2006, DuPage County, Illinois 8:30-4:30

Simonson, S.D. “Content Area Reading and Informational Text” Illinois State Board of Education Teachers’ Academy

Module 4: Training Teachers in Grades 4-8 (Staff Development) June 21, 2006, St. Claire County, Illinois 8:30-4:30

Simonson, S.D. “Content Area Reading and Informational Text” Fall Convention of the Illinois Council for Exceptional Children

November 4-6, 2004 Schaumburg, Illinois Simonson, S.D. “CD-Rom Credential Portfolios” ICARE Summer Institute Development of Materials & Presentation (Staff Development) Funded by the Reading Excellence Act Grant Summer 2002, Springfield, Illinois Simonson, S.D. “Creative Uses of Literature” 2002 Illinois State Board of Education -- Summer Bridges Program Selected as a Professional Development Presenter Attended 2 Professional Development Sessions Scheduled by ISBE Provided 30 hours of Professional Development for 2 schools: ROWVA Elementary School Staff--Grades 1-6 Monmouth Elementary School Staff--Grades PreK-6 Assisted in Preparation of Instructional Sites for All Classrooms at 2 schools Conducted Weekly Classroom Site Visits at each of the 2 schools 6-Week Summer School Program Meeting the Challenge: 3-5 Module 2 & 3: Training Teachers in Grades 3-5 (Staff Development) August 16, 2001, Chicago, Illinois 8:30-4:30 Simonson, S.D. “Supporting Vocabulary, Word Analysis, & Word Study” and “Supporting Readers in the Content Areas” Meeting the Challenge: 3-5 Module 2 & 3: Training Teachers in Grades 3-5 (Staff Development) August 14, 2001, Peoria, Illinois 8:30-4:30 Simonson, S.D. “Supporting Vocabulary, Word Analysis, & Word Study” and “Supporting Readers in the Content Areas”

Meeting the Challenge: 3-5 Module 2 & 3: Training Teachers in Grades 3-5 (Staff Development) July 24, 2001, Belleville, Illinois 8:30-4:30 Simonson, S.D. “Supporting Vocabulary, Word Analysis, & Word Study” and “Supporting Readers in the Content Areas” 2001 Illinois State Board of Education -- Summer Bridges Program Selected as a Professional Development Presenter Attended 2 Professional Development Sessions Scheduled by ISBE Provided 30 hours of Professional Development for 3 schools: Colchester Elementary School Staff--Grades PreK-6 ROWVA Elementary School Staff--Grades 1-6 Monmouth Elementary School Staff--Grades PreK-6 Assisted in Preparation of Instructional Sites for All Classrooms at 3 schools Conducted Weekly Classroom Site Visits at each of the 3 schools 6-Week Summer School Program United Star Distance Learning Consortium, Inc. (USDLC) Star Schools Project Satellite education network broadcasts of the program occurred on April 29, May 13, & May 27, 1999. Developed content & delivery plan for multi-state distance-learning project / Serving also as one of the on-air personalities Illinois Education Association-NEA Leaping Into Teaching Student Program Fall Conference

October 12, 1996, Normal, Illinois. Simonson, S.D. "Portfolios & How to Write a Philosophy of Education" Illinois Reading Council 27th Annual Conference

Springfield, Illinois, March 16-18, 1995. Simonson, S.D. "Balancing Diversity: Integrating Multi-Ethnic Literature in Rural Communities." Illinois Reading Council 25th Annual Conference

Springfield, Illinois, March 18-20, 1993. Simonson, S.D. "Fortify Your Science Class . . . With Reading Strategies." First Annual IASCD Elementary State Conference

Normal, Illinois, March 11-12, 1993. Simonson, S.D. "Energize Your Content Area . . . With Reading Strategies." IASCD Annual Middle Level Conference

Naperville, Illinois, February 26, 1993. Simonson, S.D. "Fortify Your Science Class . . .With Reading Strategies." Illinois Reading Council 24th Annual Conference

Springfield, IL, March 19-21, 1992. Simonson, S.D. "Exploring Expository Text." 22nd Annual Day of Reading, Secondary Reading League

Matteson, Illinois, October 24, 1992. Simonson, S.D. "Fortify Your Science Class With Reading Strategies."

Local: 7th Annual Tech Fest March 29, 2006, Macomb, Illinois Simonson, S.D. “Technology as a Tool” “A Showcase and Celebration of Technology Achievements by Past and Current Members” College of Education and Human Services February 17, 2006, Macomb, Illinois Simonson, S.D. “Technology as a Tool”

Graduate School Roundtable

March 31, 2004, Macomb, Illinois Simonson, S.D. “Graduate Reading Program” 5th Annual Tech Fest March 31, 2004, Macomb, Illinois Simonson, S.D. “Teacher Ed Portfolios on CD Rom” Kappa Delta Pi October 11, 2003, Macomb, Illinois Simonson, S.D. “Electronic Portfolios” School Consolidation Project Roseville, Colchester, Northwest, La Harpe School Districts March-November 2002 Weekly Meetings & Community Roundtables Simonson, S.D. Committee of Ten Representative & Chair of Curriculum Committee Radio Interview: WIUM October 23, 2002, Macomb, Illinois Simonson, S.D. Addressing Consolidation Questions Radio Interview: Public Perspective 102.7 WJEQ September 19, 2002, Macomb, Illinois Simonson, S.D. Addressing Consolidation Questions MBC Club October 17, 2002, Roseville, Illinois Simonson, S.D. “Issues in Consolidation” PEO October 7, 2002, Roseville, Illinois Simonson, S.D. “Issues in Consolidation” Senior Citizen Center September 25, 2002, Roseville, Illinois Simonson, S.D. “Issues in Consolidation” Legion Auxiliary September 17, 2002, Roseville, Illinois Simonson, S.D. “Issues in Consolidation”

Roseville School District: 6 Presentations to Grades 5 & 6, Grades 7 & 8, Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors September 5, 2002, Roseville, Illinois Simonson, S.D. “Issues in Consolidation” Christian Church - Powerpoint Presentation to Community June 20, 2002, La Harpe, Illinois Simonson, S.D. “Consolidation” Roseville High School - Powerpoint Presentation to Community June 4, 2002, Roseville, Illinois Simonson, S.D. “Consolidation” Colchester High School - Powerpoint Presentation to Community May 30, 2002, Colchester, Illinois Simonson, S.D. “Consolidation” Roseville Elementary School - Powerpoint Presentation to Faculty & Staff May 22, 2002, Roseville, Illinois Simonson, S.D. “Consolidation” La Harpe High School - Powerpoint Presentation to Faculty & Staff May 17, 2002, La Harpe, Illinois Simonson, S.D. “Consolidation” Northwest High School - Powerpoint Presentation to Faculty & Staff May 16, 2002, Blandinsville, Illinois Simonson, S.D. “Consolidation” Colchester High School - Powerpoint Presentation to Faculty & Staff May 14, 2002, Colchester, Illinois Simonson, S.D. “Consolidation” Faculty Innovators iFair April 26, 2002, Macomb, Illinois Simonson, S.D. Custom Multimedia Presentation 3rd Annual Tech Fest April 11, 2002, Macomb, Illinois Simonson, S.D. “Technology Enhanced Portfolios” Western Illinois University Literacy Conference 2001--Issues & Trends in Reading September 21, 2001, Macomb, Illinois. Simonson, S.D. “Using Children’s & Young Adult Literature for Content Area Reading” Western Illinois University Literacy Conference 1999--Issues & Trends in Reading September 24, 1999, Macomb, Illinois. Simonson, S.D. “Exploring Content Area Vocabulary Strategies” Roseville Elementary School 8th Grade Promotion Speaker

May 27, 1999, Roseville, Illinois. Simonson, S.D. “Celebrating the Moment and Imagining the Future”

MATH TEAM, March 22, 1998, Western Illinois University. Simonson, S.D. “Math & Literature: One of My Favorite Combos!” Teachers Sharing Excellence Conference, March 7, 1997, Western Illinois University. Simonson, S.D. “Teacher Education Credential Portfolios” Student Education Association, October 17, 1996, Western Illinois University. Simonson, S.D. "What Is a Credential Portfolio and Why You Should Be Thinking About It Now" Teachers Sharing Excellence Conference

February 16, 1996, Western Illinois University. Simonson, S.D., Godt, P., & Thistlethwaite, L. "The Joys & Tribulations of Team- Teaching a Distance-Learning Class" Council of Exceptional Children

Western Illinois University, November 8, 1995 Simonson, S.D. "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the 1st Year of Teaching...But Were Afraid to Ask!" Society of Educators

Blackhawk College, March 29, 1995 Simonson, S.D. "Credential Portfolios for Teachers" Educational Service Center #11's Writing Talent Search Celebration, April 30, 1993. Simonson, S.D. "Extra! Extra! Read All About It!" National Honor Society, Roseville High School, April 24, 1992. Simonson, S.D. Address to the inductees, members, & guests. Chapter N, P.E.O., Roseville, Illinois, March 7, 1992. Simonson, S.D. "New Trends in Teaching Reading and Writing." Selected Professional Work Experiences: Rock Island-Milan School District #41—K-6 “Robust Vocabulary Instruction”

March 2, 2011 Rock Island, Illinois

ROE Workshop: Bureau, Henry & Stark County Middle School & High School Faculty

“Engaging Readers in Active Reading Processes: Before, During, & After” February 10 & 11, 2011 Atkinson, Illinois In-Service: R.O.W.V.A. School District – Grades 6-12 “Engaging Students in Text: Before, During, & After Reading/Thinking Techniques” January 31, 2011 Oneida, Illinois

In-Service: Abingdon School District K-12 “Focus on Summarizing & Synthesizing Information” April 16, 2010 Abingdon, Illinois

In-Service: Abingdon School District K-12 “Focus on Determining Importance in Text” March 12, 2010 Abingdon, Illinois

In-Service: Havana School District K-12

“Summarizing & Synthesizing Information” February 22, 2010 Havana, Illinois

In-Service: Abingdon School District K-12 “Questioning, Visualizing & Making Inferences in Reading” January 29, 2010 Abingdon, Illinois

In-Service: Havana School District K-12

“Determining Importance in Text” January 19, 2010 Havana, Illinois

In-Service: Havana School District K-12

“Visualizing & Making Inferences in Reading” November 16, 2009 Havana, Illinois

In-Service: Churchill Junior High School & Lombard Junior High School “Focus on Monitoring Comprehension and Activating & Connecting to Background

Knowledge” October 9, 2009 Galesburg, Illinois

In-Service: Havana School District K-12

“Questioning Strategies” October 5, 2009 Havana, Illinois

In-Service: Abingdon School District K-12 “Engaging Readers in Active Reading Processes” September 4, 2009 Abingdon, Illinois In-Service: Havana School District K-12 “Focus on Monitoring Comprehension and Activating & Connecting to Background

Knowledge” August 31, 2009 Havana, Illinois

In-Service: VIT School District “Questioning Strategies” Middle School & High School Faculty “Visualizing & Inferring Reading Strategies” Elementary School Faculty April 9, 2009 Table Grove, Illinois In-Service: Immaculate Conception School K-8 “Questioning Strategies” November 19, 2008 Monmouth, Illinois

ROE Workshop: Bureau, Henry & Stark County Middle School & High School Faculty “Engaging Struggling Readers in the Middle and High School Classroom” June 30 & July 1, 2008 Atkinson, Illinois

In-Service: Brimfield Middle School & High School “Promoting Active, Engaged Learning Through Questioning Strategies & Critical Thinking Skills”

February 15, 2008 Brimfield, Illinois ROE Workshop: Middle School & High School Faculty “Engaging Readers in Active Reading Processes” July 16, 17, & 18, 2007 Centralia, Illinois ROE Workshop: Middle School & High School Faculty “Engaging Readers in Active Reading Processes” June 18 & 19, 2007 Litchfield, Illinois

In-Service: West Carroll Primary School “Kicking Off Summer School With a Home Run: Effective Reading Instruction Scores

Every Time!” June 11, 2007 Savanna, Illinois In-Service: United Township High School “Celebrating Passionate Curiosity!” May 4, 2007 Moline, Illinois In-Service: Macomb High School “Comprehension Strategy: Visualizing & Making Inferences” April 11, 2007 Macomb, Illinois In-Service: Macomb High School “Comprehension Strategy: Visualizing & Making Inferences” March 28, 2007 Macomb, Illinois

In-Service: Macomb High School “Comprehension Strategy: Questioning” March 7, 2007 Macomb, Illinois In-Service: Macomb High School “Comprehension Strategy: Questioning” February 22, 2007 Macomb, Illinois

Literacy Coach / Consulting K-12: Macomb School District – Maria Dunstan Spring 2005 – Summer 2007 Macomb Junior High & Senior High School – Content Area Reading Macomb High School Special Education Department – Reading Program Macomb Middle School – Reading Text Adoption & Literacy Plan Macomb Elementary School – Reading Text Adoption, Literacy Centers, Guided Reading

In-Service: Grant Middle School & Washington Middle School “Content Area Reading” February 19, 2007 Springfield, Illinois In-Service: Macomb High School “Comprehension Strategy: Questioning” February 7, 2007 Macomb, Illinois In-Service: Macomb High School “Comprehension Strategy: Questioning” January 10, 2007 Macomb, Illinois Workshop: Lincoln Elementary School “Guided Reading & Literacy Centers” January 4 & 5, 2007 Macomb, Illinois

In-Service: Steele Elementary School “Best Practices in Reading” December 6, 2006 Galesburg, Illinois

Workshop: Grant Middle School – Special Education Department “Teaching Content Area Reading” November 28, 2006, 8:00-3:00 Springfield, Illinois In-Service: Macomb Junior High and Senior High School “How Can We Engage Our Students Before, During, and After Assigned Reading? August 17, 2005, Macomb, Illinois

Workshop: Hamilton Elementary School “Reading Comprehension” July 31 & August 1, 2006, 9:00-5:00 Hamilton, Illinois

Workshop: DuPage County Regional Office of Education “Reading Informational Text Grades 4-8” March 3, 2006, Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Review Panel Member Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Reading First January 18 & 19, 2006, Springfield, Illinois Simonson, S.D. “Evaluating Proposals for the Round Three Reading First Subgrant

Competition” In-Service: Hamilton School District & Select Teachers from Dallas City School District Elementary School Faculty: “Building Comprehension: Reading—Thinking Strategies” Junior High Faculty: “Engaging Students for Active Learning: Reading Activities to Captivate ALL Students” High School Faculty: “Content Area Reading: Providing Purpose and Focus for Assigned Reading” January 13, 2006, Hamilton, Illinois

In-Service: Macomb High School Faculty Content Area Reading, 8:00-3:30 January 12, 2006, Macomb, Illinois In-Service: Macomb School District K-8 Basal Reader Selection Project 2005: September 1st, October 6th, November 3rd, December 1st 2006: January 5th, January 23rd, February 2nd, February 7th, February 9th, February 21st,

March 2nd, March 23rd, April 6th Presentation: Lincoln Elementary School December 20, 2005 Results of Observation/Shadowing Teachers During Reading Grades K-4

In-Service: Macomb Middle School and High School Faculty August 17, 2005 “How Can We Engage Our Students Before, During, and After

Assigned Reading?”

Workshops: Reading First Regional Office of Education Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Comprehension, & Vocabulary June 27-30, 2005 Teachers of Grades: Pre-K - 2 Workshops: Reading First Regional Office of Education Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Comprehension, & Vocabulary June 13-16, 2005 Teachers of Grades: 3

Workshop: Regional Office of Education June 9, 2005 Reading First: K-2 Renewal In-Service: Macomb School District K-8 May 25, 2005 Basal Reader Selection Project In-Services: West Prairie Middle School Teachers Reading Improvement Block Grant - 6 weeks Focus: Word Study, Reading & Writing Blocks for Grades 4-6 April 25 & May 5, 9, 11, 16, & 17, 2005 In-Service: Moline Ericsson Elementary School February 28, 2005 “Verbalizing Comprehension Strategies: Creating a Common Language K-6” In-Service: Springfield High School Faculty February 10, 2005 Content Area Reading Techniques In-Service: LaHarpe School District December 14, 2004 “Before, During, & After Reading Strategies” 2 Sessions: Primary Teachers & Middle School Teachers In-Service: Springfield High School Faculty December 7, 2004 Content Area Reading Techniques In-Service: ROWVA School District October 15, 2004 “Expository Writing Instruction” In-Service: LaHarpe School District October 12, 2004 “Before, During, & After Reading Strategies” 2 Sessions: Primary Teachers & Middle School Teachers Workshops: Reading First Regional Ofice of Education Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Comprehension, & Vocabulary July 13, 14, 15, &16, 2004 Teachers of Grades: Pre-K - 2 Workshop: Regional Office of Education June 18, 2004 Reading First: K-2 Renewal In-Service: Dallas City School District April 30, 2004 “Common Language with Content Area Reading Strategies” In-Services: West Prairie Middle School Teachers Reading Improvement Block Grant - 7 weeks Focus: Content Area Reading (Nonfiction) April 12, 19, 26 & May 3, 10, 17, & 24, 2004 In-Service: ROWVA School District March 4, 2004 “The Writing Curriculum” Two Sessions: Morning & Afternoon

In-Service: ROWVA School District February 27, 2004 “The Writing Curriculum” Two Sessions: Morning & Afternoon In-Service: Dallas City School District February 13, 2004 “Developing Your District’s Common Language” In-Service: ROWVA School District February 12, 2004 “The Writing Curriculum” Two Sessions: Morning & Afternoon In-Service: ROWVA School District February 6, 2004 “The Writing Curriculum” Two Sessions: Morning & Afternoon In-Service: ROWVA School District January 30, 2004 “The Writing Curriculum” Two Sessions: Morning & Afternoon In-Service: Dallas City School District November 21, 2003 “Comprehension Strategies: A Common Language” In-Service: ROWVA School District October 10, 2003 “Writing Process & Beyond” Workshops: Reading First Regional Office of Education Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Comprehension, & Vocabulary June 2003 Teachers of Grades: Pre-K - 2 In-Service: Dallas City School District April 25, 2003 Strategies That Work In-Service: Dallas City School District March 14, 2003 Mosaic of Thought In-Service: Orion School District May 9, 2002 “Creative Uses of Literature” In-Service: Monmouth School District January 15, 2002 “Enhancing Students’ Thinking” In-Service: Sangamon ROE Staff Development Center, Springfield, Illinois November 2, 2001 “Reading & Writing Strategies Across the Curriculum for Secondary Teachers” In-Service: ROE, Jacksonville, Illinois October 22, 2001 “Reading Strategies for Comprehension Across the Content Areas”

Workshop Series: Monmouth School District September 10, 2001 “Writing Process” September 17, 2001 “Writing Workshop” September 24, 2001 “Assessing & Responding to Writing” October 1, 2001 “Writing Conferences / Narrative Writing” October 15, 2001 “Writing Across the Curriculum” In-Service: Bushnell-Prairie City School District February 26, 2001 “Writing Assessment” In-Service: Monmouth School District October 6, 2000 “Reading Strategies Across the Curriculum” In-Service: Orion School District September 29, 2000 “Creative Uses of Literature” Workshop: Silvis Elementary School - Rae Miller March 1998 “Integrating Tradebooks in the Content Areas” Consulting: Lewistown Elementary School - Sue McKee January - February 1998 “Spelling Programs & Research” Consulting: East Alton High School - Trish Sullivan February 23, 1996 "Evaluating Secondary Reading Program" Consulting: Yorkwood Elementary School - Sue McKee September - October 1995 "Evaluating Basal Series" Workshop: Silvis Junior High School - Joni Cross August 23, 1995 "Study Skills" Workshop: Silvis Elementary School - Rae Miller March 1995 "Study Skills" Workshop: Silvis Elementary School - Rae Miller May 1995 "Study Skills" Study Abroad People to People Ambassador Program: A Delegation of Literacy Educators Exploring the

Educational System in South Africa. May/June 2006 Professional Affi l iations: International Reading Association Illinois Reading Council Western Illinois Reading Council National Council of Teachers of English National Middle School Association Kappa Delta Pi Phi Kappa Phi

Honors & Professional Offices Held: COEHS Travel Award – Spring 2011 Most Inspirational Teacher at Western Illinois University Student Education Association, April 2004 Most Inspirational Teacher, Honorable Mention Student Education Association February 2001 Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers 6th Edition -- 2000 Nominated by a former student Golden Apple Award September 1999 Student Alumni Council Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers 5th Edition -- 1998 Nominated by a former student Outstanding Teacher in the College of Education & Human Services Teacher of the Year Award 1995-96 Faculty Excellence Award 1994-95 Faculty Excellence in Multicultural Programming Award 1st Recipient: Sara Simonson 1995 Nomination: Howard Jones Achievement Award University of Iowa College of Education 1995 Travel Award - Spring 1998 Travel Award - Fall 1996 Travel Award - Fall 1995 Travel Award - Fall 1992 National: Alpha Upsilon Alpha Steering Committee of the International Reading Association 1993-1994 Sub-Committee Appointments: Program Selection of Inductees State: Associate Editor, Illinois Reading Council Journal Fall 2004 - 2008 Local: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Faculty Advisor: Sara Simonson 2005-

Alpha Upsilon Alpha - Mu Chapter, WIU Faculty Advisor: Sara Simonson 1996-2000 Alpha Upsilon Alpha - Mu Chapter, WIU Vice President: Sara Simonson 1994-1996 Alpha Upsilon Alpha - Mu Chapter, WIU Past President: Sara Simonson 1993-1995 Alpha Upsilon Alpha - Mu Chapter, WIU President: Sara Simonson 1991-1993 Service / Committees University 1. Midwest Center for Sustainability 2007-2009

2. Counsel for International Education 2006-2009

3. Administrative Internship Selection 2003-2007 Committee 4. Affirmative Action and Equity Council 2001-2005 Faculty At-Large Representative 5. Committee on Honorary Doctorate 2001-2003 Faculty Senate Representative 6. Performing Arts Society Member 2001-2006 7. Bureau of Cultural Affairs 2000-2003 8. Faculty Senate 1999-2002 Committee on Committees, Member 9. Distinguished Faculty Lecturer 1998-1999 Selection Committee Member Chair 1999-2000 10. Affirmative Action Adminstrative Internship Selection Committee 1997-2000 11. Minority Student Retention Task Force 1996-1999 12. Extended and Continuing Education Advisory Committee 1996-1999 13. Faculty Orientation Leader Summer 1996 Academic Issues "Welcome to Western" Orientation

College 1. COEHS Search Committee Member Spring 2006 Development Officer Position

2. COEHS Search Committee Member Fall 2005 Assistant to the Dean Position

3. COEHS Innovators in Teaching & 2005-2007 Learning Laptop Program Professional Development Initiative

4. COEHS Innovators in Teaching & 2001-2002 Learning Laptop Program Professional Development Initiative 5. Dean’s Evaluation Committee Member 1999-2000 6. Ad Hoc Committee on E-Folios & iBooks 1999-2000 7. COEHS Scholarship Committee 1997-2000 Co-Chair 1997-98 Chair 1998-00 Department 1. Literacy Faculty Search Committee, Member Spring 2006

2. Ad Hoc Committee on Marketing, Member Spring 2004 3. Literacy Faculty Search Committee, Chair 2002-2003 4. Personnel Committee Member 2001-2004 5. Committee on Committees Member 1999-2002 6. Graduate Committee Member Fall 2001-Fall 2006 7. Coordinator of Graduate Reading Program Fall 2001-Fall 2006 8. Co-Coordinator of Graduate Reading Spring 2001 Program 9. Selection & Retention Committee, Chair 1997-2001 10. Scholarship Committee, Member 2000-2003 Chair 2001-2002 11. Graduate Committee, Member 1997-1999 12. Redesign Team / Goals 2000 Member 1998-1999 13. Literacy Faculty Search Committee Member 1998-1999

Course Offerings I have taught at Western I l l inois University: Undergraduate: RDG 366 Elementary School Reading Methods RDG 384 Literacy Instruction for the Intermediate Grades RDG 433 Introduction to Corrective Reading RDG 468 Teaching Reading in the Secondary School and College ELED 370 Field Experience in Elementary Education ELED 470 Field Experience in Elementary Education ELED 110 Introduction to Elementary Education ELED 445 Honors Seminar Graduate: RDG 508 Phonics for Decoding and Spelling (On-Line Course) RDG 553 Integrating Reading and Writing Through Inquiry RDG 468G Teaching Reading in the Secondary School and College RDG 568 Foundations of Reading in the Middle and Secondary School RDG 570 Teaching Reading in the Elementary School (Satellite Course - 3 sites) RDG 571 Assessment of Reading Abilities & Disabilities RDG 573 Correction and Remediation of Reading Difficulties RDG 574 Practicum in Reading RDG 584 Vocabulary Development K-12 (On-Line Course) RDG 584 Vocabulary Development K-12 (Face-to-Face) RDG 588 Leadership in Reading RDG 675 Reading/Thinking Comprehension Strategies LA 577 Writing in the Elementary School LA 567 Language Arts LLA 443G Creative Uses of Literature Dissertation Topic: Pre-Service Teachers, Multiethnic Literature, and Rural Communities: Exploring Beliefs in a Field Experience Practicum