Dr. Deborah MacPhee, professor in the School of Teaching and Learning, was elected to the board of directors for the International Literacy Association (ILA) effective July 1, 2025. MacPhee has been a member of ILA for over 20 years, served on many committees, published multiple articles in their professional teaching journals, and most recently had the opportunity to review for Reading Research Quarterly.
“This is the premier literacy association for educators,” said MacPhee. “It’s a mix of university faculty and literacy teachers from around the world with the shared goal of advocating for equitable access to literacies by connecting research with classroom practice.”
MacPhee has used their professional development resources in her classes for years, as she helps prepare the next generation of teachers. She looks forward to joining the ILA board.
“I am excited about the future of ILA as it has a long history as a trusted source for disseminating accessible, high-quality, evidenced-based information and resources to support literacy development and instruction worldwide,” said MacPhee. “As leaders in the field, ILA must continue disseminating research, promoting diversity and equity, providing resources and professional learning opportunities, and guidance as members engage critically with the information and resources they encounter. I look forward to being part of this work!”
Deborah’s research critically examines discourses of literacy coaching, professional development school interactions, and metaphors used in media portrayals of the science of reading. She works with K-5 classroom teachers to develop, implement, and study instructional units that integrate social studies and literacy.
Most recently, she served on the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan Committee through the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) helping to shape literacy instruction for teachers throughout the state. Along with her colleagues Drs. Micheal Young and Erin Mikulec, ISBE, and the Regional Offices of Education, they will host the 2025 Literacy Leadership Institute and the Illinois State Literacy Conference at the end of July.
About the International Literacy Association
The International Literacy Association (ILA) is a professional membership organization of literacy educators, researchers and experts spanning 128 countries. For nearly 70 years, ILA has set the standard for how literacy is defined, taught and evaluated, connecting research and practice to improve the quality of literacy learning across the globe. Through its Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals, ILA provides an evidence-based benchmark for the development and evaluation of literacy professional preparation programs. ILA collaborates with partners across the world to develop, gather and disseminate high-quality resources, which include three peer-reviewed and edited journals—The Reading Teacher, Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy and Reading Research Quarterly. Learn more at literacyworldwide.org.
