Biography

Sharryn Larsen Walker is a Professor of Literacy at Central Washington University. She is the recipient of the 2023 CWU Distinguished Professor for Service, and a graduate of CWU and the University of Toledo. Dr. Walker has served as a member of the Notable Books for a Global Society Selection Committee and the Green Earth Book Award Committee. Her primary teaching and research interests include children’s literature, literacy teacher preparation, and early literacy development. She may be contacted at sharryn.walker@cwu.edu

• Ph. D.-Curriculum and Instruction, University of Toledo. Major: Literacy Instruction. Emphasis in Early Literacy. Minor: Theory and Social Foundations. August 2002.
• Initial Principal Certificate, Central Washington University. August 1992.
• M.Ed..- Reading Specialist, Central Washington University. June 1986.
• BA Ed.-Elementary Education Major/Special Education Minor, Central Washington University, June 1983. Washington State Lifetime Teaching Certificate.

Administrative and Teaching Experience

University Administration

• Literacy Program Coordinator, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA. 2019-present. Responsible for coordinating program meetings, compiling program reports, and representing the literacy program at meetings. Coordinated effort to revise Reading Endorsement Program. Chaired program search committees and recommended adjuncts for teaching positions.
• Special Education Program Coordinator, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA. Fall 2020. Responsible for coordinating program meetings, compiling program reports, and representing the literacy program at meetings. Coordinated effort to revise Special Education Endorsement Program.
• Literacy Graduate Program Coordinator, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA. 2010-present. Responsible for coordinating online MEd-Literacy Program, including recruitment and retention of candidates.
• Reading Program Co-Coordinator, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA. 2008-2013. Worked in close coordination with Dr. Carol Butterfield, Dr. Janet Finke, and Dr. Ginny Erion. Responsible for coordinating program meetings, compiling program reports, and representing the reading program at group advising sessions. Served as Literacy Representative to the TEACH Department. Lead writer for NCATE materials for the Advanced Program-Reading Specialist review. Coordinated effort to write, propose, and implement an online MA Ed.-Literacy Program and Reading Endorsement Program.
• Department Chair, Stephens College, Columbia, MO. 2002-2004. Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Education Department. Included program planning, scheduling, budgeting, and coordinating programs with the Stephens College Children’s School. Worked in close concert with the Children’s School Director.

University Teaching-Undergraduate

• Professor, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA. 2017-present. Responsible for teaching undergraduate literacy methods courses, children’s literature, storytelling, and global dynamics course. Supported courses with the use of Canvas and Blackboard. Taught synchronous and asynchronous online courses. Supervised more than 1000 elementary education and literacy practicum teacher candidates in the Ellensburg School District, in-person and remotely as an instructor of EDLT 409-Literacy II/ELEM 341-Reading Assessment and Instruction/EDLT 493 Practicum since teaching for CWU. Included Academic Service Learning in collaboration with the Center for Diversity and Social Justice and the Brooks Library as part of undergraduate coursework. Served as an academic advisor for elementary education and literacy teacher candidates.
• Associate Professor, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA. 2013-2017. Responsible for teaching undergraduate reading methods courses including reading methods and children’s literature. Supported courses with the use of Blackboard and Canvas. Supervised reading methods teacher candidates in their placements in Ellensburg area schools. Included Academic Service Learning in collaboration with the Center for Diversity and Social Justice as part of undergraduate coursework. Served as an academic advisor for elementary education and literacy teacher candidates.
• Assistant Professor, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA. 2007-2013. Responsible for teaching undergraduate reading methods courses including foundations of reading, reading methods, children’s literature, storytelling, language arts methods, and emergent literacy courses. Supported courses with the use of Blackboard. Supervised reading methods teacher candidates in their placements at Morgan Middle School and Mt. Stuart Elementary. Included Academic Service Learning with Bright Beginnings Head Start, the Family Resource Center, the Center for Diversity and Social Justice, the Children’s Activity Museum, and the Museum of Culture and Environment as part of undergraduate coursework. Served as an academic advisor for elementary education and literacy teacher candidates.
• Clinical Associate, University of Missouri, Columbia, 2004-2007. Responsible for teaching undergraduate children’s literature, assessment, content area literacy, writing as literacy, educational foundations, social studies methods, and family involvement courses. Also responsible for supervising student teachers and sophomore/junior-level methods teacher candidates in field placements. Supported courses with the use of Blackboard. Served as an evaluator for senior portfolios using Foliotek.
• Assistant Professor and Adjunct Instructor, Stephens College, Columbia, 2001-2004. Responsible for teaching undergraduate emergent literacy, early childhood theory and methods, educational foundations, and assessment courses. Responsible for supervising teacher candidates in the Stephens College Children’s School. Also responsible for program advising with teacher candidates. Taught distance learning courses with the use of Blackboard.
• Instructor, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH. 1996-2001. Responsible for teaching undergraduate emergent literacy, literacy theory, phonics, and literacy methods courses. Also responsible for supervising teacher candidates in the field as part of an integrated elementary education methods block at several professional development school sites.
• Adjunct Instructor, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA. Summers, 1986-2000. Taught undergraduate courses in language arts, word recognition, children’s literature, reading assessment, content area literacy, and reading comprehension.

University Teaching-Graduate

• Professor, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA. 2017-present. Responsible for teaching graduate courses in the M.Ed. Literacy programs, including online courses in learning theories, literacy curriculum, assessment, and instruction. Supported courses with the use of Canvas. Served as chair of graduate committees. Also served as a member of graduate project committees.
• Associate Professor, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA. 2013-2017. Responsible for teaching graduate courses in the M.Ed. Literacy programs, including online courses in learning theories, literacy curriculum, assessment, and instruction. Supported courses with the use of Blackboard and Canvas. Also served on graduate project committees. Served as chair of graduate committees.
• Assistant Professor, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA. 2008-2013. Responsible for teaching graduate courses in the M.Ed.-Reading Specialist and M.Ed. Literacy programs. Developed and delivered online courses for M.Ed. Literacy courses with implementation beginning Summer, 2012. Summers, 2008 and 2009 offered a block of courses through “hybrid” delivery. Served on graduate project committees. Served as chair of graduate committees.
• Contributing Faculty, Walden University, Minneapolis, MN. 2005-2016 (Summers). Responsible for facilitating online courses in the M.S. in Education-Elementary Reading and Literacy program. Courses were facilitated through eCollege and
• Assistant Professor, Stephens College, Columbia, 2001-2004. Responsible for teaching educational foundations, research methods, and language development courses. Also responsible for mentoring graduate candidates pursuing master’s degrees in inclusion education.
• Adjunct Instructor, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA. Summer, 1986-Fall, 1996; Summer, 1997, 1999, 2000. Taught graduate courses in reading diagnosis and remediation, elementary curriculum, comparative education, multicultural education, psychology of reading, and whole language implementation. Also supervised graduate-level reading practicum students.
• Adjunct Instructor, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA. Summer, 1991. Taught two sessions of a graduate course in whole language philosophy and implementation.

Public School Administrative

• Title I Supervisor, Stuart Elementary, Ellensburg School District, Ellensburg, WA. January 1993-June 1996. Supervised six paraprofessionals in the Title I/LAP program. Responsible for implementing the reading, language arts, math, readiness, and afterschool study hall programs. Responsible for administrative duties at the building level, including student rosters, inventory, parent involvement, and budget. Led committee in the planning year of the School-Wide Model. Modeled teaching approaches for classroom teachers and guided teachers to curriculum sources.
• Administrative Intern, Stuart Elementary, Ellensburg School District, Ellensburg, WA. April 1991-June 1992. Led building-level study skills committee, as well as serving on district curriculum committees. Acted as building principal for 10 days during the year.

Public School Instructional

• Reading Specialist, Primary Special Education Teacher, Grade 3 Teacher, and Grade 5 Teacher. Stuart Elementary, Ellensburg School District, Ellensburg, WA. September 1989-June 1996. Served as the literacy specialist in building level Title I program. Taught in regular classrooms using an integrated model of curriculum implementation, based on constructivist philosophy. Mentored teacher candidates at various grade levels. Member of building-level committees.
• Grade 1 Teacher and Middle School Resource Room Teacher. Wapato School District, Yakama Nation, Wapato, WA. September 1986-June 1989. Taught using an integrated model of the curriculum in a multicultural setting, based on constructivist philosophy.
• Grade 3 Teacher. White River School District, Buckley WA. September 1983-June 1985. Rural, mountain setting. The school was named to the National Historic Registry in 1979.

Program Development

• Literacy Coaching Certificate-Central Washington University, 2023-2024. Proposed Literacy Coaching Certificate. Approved for Fall, 2024.
• Literacy Minor-Central Washington University, 2020-2021. Revised the Literacy Minor Program. Revision implemented as of Fall 2021.
• General Education Course Development, Central Washington University, 2018-2019. Created two General Education courses for the Global Dynamics and Creativity Pathways. Both courses are offered as of Spring 2020.
• Elementary Education Program, Central Washington University, 2018-2019. Responsible for writing course outcomes and syllabi for literacy courses (ELEM 321, 331, 341, 351) in the revised Elementary Program.
• On-Line Reading Endorsement Program, Central Washington University, 2010. Served as a writer to convert the Literacy Minor program to an online version for practicing teachers. The program was implemented in Fall 2011.
• On-Line M.Ed.-Literacy Program, Central Washington University, 2009-present. Served as the coordinator to convert the current M.Ed.-Reading Program to an on-line M.Ed.-Literacy Program. Involved revision of program and course descriptions. Program Implemented Summer, 2012.
• Reading/Literacy Minor, Central Washington University, 2007-2008. Served as the lead writer for the revision of the progress monitoring system for the Reading Minor Program.
• Ed.- Reading Specialist, Central Washington University, Fall 2007. Served as lead writer of the M.Ed. Reading Specialist Exit Exam.
• Student Teaching Supervision, University of Missouri, 2006-2007. Co-wrote and implemented a revised supervision model for student teachers. Supervision was primarily delegated to the classroom teacher with support provided by university faculty and supervisors. Supported the rewriting of the student teaching handbook. Developed the Blackboard site for the university liaison and student teachers in distance placements.
• Senior-Year-on-Site Program (SYOSP), University of Missouri, 2005-2006. Co-wrote the field experience component for the elementary education Senior-Year-on-Site Program. The field component was completed by the students in conjunction with the last semester’s courses, before completing student teaching at the same site.

Scholarship

(Category A-Publications)

Walker, S. L. (in progress). Pushes and pulls: Stories of migration in children’s and young adult literature. In D. Sachdeva (Ed.), Reading, teaching, and researching immigration-themed children’s literature.

Walker, S. L. & Walker, M. R. (2023). A passion for fashion: Books for budding fashionistas. Georgia Journal of Literacy, 45(1), 20-30.

Walker, S. L. & Castillo, W. (2023). Ungifted: Teacher candidates’ understanding of giftedness through novel study. Literacy Research and Practice, 48(1). https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/lpr/

Oslick, M.E., Fain, J.G., Hillman, J., Hodges, T., Kelley, J., Walker, S.L., Manteo, M.T., Dales, B., & Scullin, B. (2023,Spring).  2023 Notable Books for a Global Society: A booklist for Grades Pre-K-12. Journeys along the familiar and new. The Dragon Lode, 41(2), 21-38.

Hartsfield, D.E. & Walker, S.L. (Guest Co-Editors) (2022, Spring) Literacy Today. Available: http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/95eacc6e#/95eacc6e/1

Hartsfield, D.E. & Walker, S.L. (2022, Spring). Multicultural, global, and international literature defined.  Literacy Today, 39(4), 2-3. http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/95eacc6e#/95eacc6e/1

Wilson, S.L., Oslick, M. (Ed). Fain, J. Smith, O.L., Katz, A., Manteo, M.T., DiGiacomo, A., Walker, S.L., Hodges, T., & Hillman, J. (2022). 2022 Notable Books for a Global Society: A booklist for Grades PK-12: Stories of hope, courage, and discovery. The Dragon Lode, 40(2), 59-68.

Wilson, S.L., Oslick, M. (Ed). Herbeck, J., Smith, O.L., Katz, A., Siu-Runyan, Y., DiGiacomo, A., Walker, S.L., Zepf, M., & Hillman, J. (2021, Spring). 2021 Notable Books for a Global Society: A booklist for Grades PK-12: Portraits of persistence, transitions, and social change. The Dragon Lode, 39(2), 49-68.

Katz, A. & Walker, S. L. (2020). Rethinking our work as literacy educators: Cultivating critical thinking skills among graduate students in an online learning environment. Distance Learning, 17(2), 24-40.

Walker, S.L. & Katz, A. (2020). Influencing professional practice through academic service-learning (AS-L):  Pre-service teachers share their ideas. Literacy Practice and Research, 45(1), Article 5. Cited 3 times.

Walker, S. L., Connery, C., Walker, T. D., Williams, B., Divine, T.F., Blackson, G. N., Finke, J. A., & Bartel, K. (2020). Developing resilience in youth with incarcerated parents:  A bibliotherapeutic blueprint with tween & young adult literature chapter books. Journal of Correctional Education, 71(2), 37-56. Cited 6 times.

Walker, S. L., Connery, C., Walker, T. D., Williams, B., Divine, T.F., Blackson, G. N., Finke, J. A., & Bartel, K. (2018). Children of incarcerated parents: Factors and themes in children’s books. The Dragon Lode, 37(1), 18-23.

Walker, S. L. (2018). Authenticity: In the eye of the beholder? In Y.T. Amos & D. Amos (Eds.), (Mis)Reading different cultures: Interpreting international children’s literature from Asia. New York: Rowen & Littlefield.

Walker, S.L. & Walker, N.M. (2018). My family makes this! Cookbooks in the classroom library. The Reading Teacher, 71(6), 749-752. doi:10.1002/trtr.1685 Cited 11 times.

Born, E., Walker, S., Spybrook, J., & Finke, J. (2014). The development of self and others through interactive read alouds. Affective Reading Education Journal, 24, 39-47. Cited 1 time.

Walker, S.L. (2014-2015). Close reading bookmarks set 1; close reading bookmarks set 2; Using photographs to build background knowledge. Formative Assessments for Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium. Available from: https://sso.smarterbalanced.org/auth/SSORedirect/metaAlias/sbac/idp?SAMLRequest=jZJNT%2BMwEIb%2FSuR74nw0KVhtpUCFthK7RE3hwGU1cQew1rGDx2Hh3%2BOmsMtyQHsdzTvzPGMvCHo9iHr0D2aLjyOSjzbrJfvZ1UUxv%2Bgff%2BVlWVTzKq%2BK2elJlSWzeVlWJ7OMRTfoSFmzZHmSsmhDNOLGkAfjQynNyjidxXm2y3KRnoosTdJ5ccuidVihDPgp%2BeD9QIJzIptQD86j60CDkbhPrLvnELh4215tca8cSs979FBrBcSpA8nVfmDRhXUSJ4MluwNNeIBpgEg94Z9K46y30uozZfbK3C%2FZ6IywQIqEgR5JeCna%2BvulCDKiOzaR%2BLbbNXFz1e5YVBOhO1CfW0Njj65F96QkXm8v%2F3p0Ae%2BziFadA%2Fcy%2BRyg4yAby%2BMQFj332pCYXuFrpuFNgK0Wh24x3dt9yH8dh3d8tvpP2AX%2FsOe4dBA%2FwuDNurFayZeo1tr%2BPncIPtzZuzHo8NUx9u%2BXWr0C&RelayState=https%3A%2F%2Fbeta.smarterbalancedlibrary.org Cited 2 times.

 Walker, S.L. (2013-2014). Assistant Editor, Affective Reading Education Journal. Served as assistant editor with Dr. Janet Finke.

Walker, S. L. & Spybrook, J. (2014). Planning for play environments with pre-service teachers. In Norma Zunker (Ed.), CEDER Yearbook, pp. 1-20.  Corpus Christi, TX: Texas A&M University. Kindle version available at:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IFQLS2U

Walker, S.L., Hutchinson, K., Zornes, N. Gobel, L. Wilson, K. (2014). Courage: An interdisciplinary unit. International Reading Association Resource Bank of Interdisciplinary Units: Bridges. Available at:  http://www.reading.org/general/Publications/bridges/7002

Walker, S. L. & Feldman, J. (2013). A puzzling association: How an educator and author influenced teacher educators. The Reading Professor, 35(1), 35-39.

Walker, S. L. (2013). Striving for normal: Portrayals in children’s literature. Affective Reading Education Journal, 28, 45-53.

Spybrook, J. & Walker, S. L. (2012). Creating inclusive, literacy-embedded play environments in a children’s museum: Connecting theory to practice. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education, 33(4), 382-391. Cited 15 times.

Walker, S.L. (2012). Resilient children: Models in children’s literature. Affective Reading Education Journal, 27, 27-35.

Walker, S. L. (2010/2011). A book review of Breakthroughs in Literacy: Teacher Success Stories and Strategies. Affective Reading Education Journal, 26, 18-21.

Walker, S.L., Finke, J., Butterfield, C., & Backlund, J. (2011, Spring). “I feel fairly confident…” Investigating literacy candidates’ self-confidence through an on-line standards-based survey. Northwest Passage: Journal of Educational Practices, 9(1), 78-88.

Walker, S. L. & Spybrook, J. (2011). Practical uses of literacy-embedded play centers. NHSA Dialog: A Research-to-Practice Journal for the Early Childhood Field, 14(2), 89-97. Cited 10 times.

Walker, S.L. & Feldman, J. (2011). Games, puzzles, and riddles in children’s books: An interview with author Jody Feldman. The Missouri Reader, 35(2), 45-48. Cited 2 times.

Walker, S.L. (2009). A (K)night of stories: A service learning project for pre-service teachers. Accepted for publication to The Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education.

Walker, S. L. (2004). Emergent literacy in family day care: Perceptions of three providers. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 19(1), 18-31. Cited 3 times.

Walker, S. L. (2000). This marriage is suspended because of football season. Initiatives, Available: NAWE [On-line].

Walker, S. L. (1999). Education that is multicultural and social reconstructionist within pre-service teacher education programs: A review of the literature. The Michigan and Ohio Journal of Teacher Education, 12(1), 64-74.

Scholarship

(Category B-Publications)

Oslick, M.E., Walker, S.L., Fain, J., Manteo, M.T., Hodges, T., Kelly, J., Dales, B., Scullin, B., Hillman, J. (2023, February). 2023 Notable Books for a Global Society flyer. CLR/SIG, International Literacy Association. https://www.clrsig.org/uploads/1/1/5/0/115059369/2023_nbgs_flyer__2_.pdf

Wilson, S.L., Oslick, M.E., Walker, S.L., Fain, J., Manteo, M.T., Hodges, T., DiGiacomo, A., Katz, A., Smith, O.L., Hillman, J. (2022, February). 2022 Notable Books for a Global Society flyer. CLR/SIG, International Literacy Association. http://www.clrsig.org/uploads/1/1/5/0/115059369/2022_flyer_nbgs_award.pdf

Wilson, S.L., Oslick, M.E., Walker, S.L., Siu-Runyan, Y., Herbeck, J., Zepf, M., DiGiacomo, A., Katz, A., Smith, O.L., Hillman, J. (2021, February). 2021 Notable Books for a Global Society flyer. CLR/SIG, International Literacy Association.

http://www.clrsig.org/uploads/1/1/5/0/115059369/2021_flyer_nbgs_award_rev._1-30-21.pptx.pdf

Wilson, S.L., Oslick, M.E., Walker, S.L. (2021, March). 2021 Notable Books for a Global Society Reviews. CLR/SIG, International Literacy Association. http://www.clrsig.org/book-reviews/archives/03-2021

Walker, S.L. (March 2020). What’s a parent to do? Ideas for families when staying home for an extended period of time. Ellensburg School District Newsletter, Central Today, Various Teacher Websites, Various Facebook Sites.

Walker, S.L. (2018, Summer). Using photographs to introduce genre. CLR/SIG Newsletter. Available at: https://www.clrsig.org/uploads/1/1/5/0/115059369/2018_summer.pdf

Walker, S.L. (2018, Winter). Family literacy nights: Academic service-learning in children’s literature. CLR/SIG Newsletter. Available at: https://www.smore.com/feayq

Walker, S. L. (2013, Fall). CARE Journal: Updating with the times. CARE Newsletter. Invited for publication.

Walker, S. L. (2012, September/October). Literacy-embedded play centers: A collaboration between teacher candidates and a local Head Start. ACEI Exchange Newsletter, 2-3.

Walker, S.L. (2010, Spring). Early literacy assessment. LDYC Newsletter, 16 (2), 2-4.

Walker, S.L. (2009, Fall). Libraries-A cornerstone of literacy development. LDYC Newsletter, 16 (1), 5-6.

Walker, S.L. (2009, Fall). Let’s visit the library! Children’s books to highlight the experience. LDYC Newsletter, 16 (1), 6-7.

Walker, S.L. (2009, Spring). Let’s play school! A literacy embedded play center. LDYC Newsletter, 15 (2), 4-5.

Walker, S.L. (2009, Spring). Family literacy nights: Service learning in teacher education. LDYC Newsletter, 15 (2), 5-6.

Walker, S.L. (2008, Fall). Literacy Development in Young Children Special Interest Group of the International Reading Association: A look at our history. LDYC Newsletter, 15 (1), 6-7.

Walker, S.L. (2008, Spring). A review of BabyFirstTV. LDYC Newsletter, 14 (2), 5-6.

Walker, S.L., Knipping, N., Wissehr, C., Bergee, J. (2007, Spring). Making connections: Planning a field trip with early childhood pre-service teachers. LDYC Newsletter, 13 (2), 5-7.

Walker, S. L. (Ed). (2002-present). LDYC Newsletter. Special Interest Group of the International Reading Association.

Walker, S. L. (2002). “The Hugs, the Loves, and Lots of Play:” The culture of literacy in family day care. Doctoral dissertation, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH.

Walker, S. (Spring, 1996). A miracle and a second chance. The Washington Coach, p. 6.

Walker, S. (1988). Organizing the whole language classroom. Make Teaching and Learning a Joy!, 88, 4-5.

Scholarship

(Category B-Presentations)

Walker, S.L. (2023, March 13). Sitting Shiva Book Discussion. Children’s Literacy and Reading Special Interest Group of the International Reading Association. (On-line).

Walker, S.L., et al., (2022, September 20) Reading for Democracy. Children’s Literacy and Reading Special Interest Group of the International Reading Association. (On-line).

Walker, S.L. & Williams, B. (2021, May). Read to your bunny (with thanks to Rosemary Wells) Why reading aloud from books makes a difference in the digital age. PIECC, Spokane, WA (virtual).

Reynolds, K. & Walker, S.L. (2021, March). Several butterflies in one net: Innovating literacy, spelling, and vocabulary. TESOL 2021 International Convention and Language Expo (virtual).

Walker, S.L. (2020, Spring). I live in Canvas and my bedroom: Teaching online during a pandemic. Multi-Modal Learning, Central Washington University. (virtual)

Walker, S.L. & Katz, A. (2020). The self-reflective literacy educator: A critical evaluation of online instructional quality. International Literacy Association Annual Conference. (Accepted but Conference cancelled due to COVID).

Walker, S.L. (2019, October, 26). Pushes and pulls: Stories of migration in children’s literature. Teaching Equity is Central Conference, Ellensburg, WA.

Walker, S. L. & Katz, A. (2019, October 12). Influencing professional practice through academic service-learning: Preservice teachers share their ideas. International Literacy Association Conference, New Orleans, LA.

Katz, A. & Walker, S. L. (2019, October 12). Rethinking our work as literacy educators: Cultivating critical thinking skills among graduate students in an online learning environment. International Literacy Association Conference, New Orleans, LA.

Katz, A. & Walker, S. L. (2018, November). Capturing educator voices: Graduate students tackle twenty-first century literacy challenges in an online environment. National Council for the Teachers of English Convention, Houston, TX. (Accepted).

Walker, S.L. (2018, October, 13). Children’s literature: How are we portrayed? Teaching Equity is Central Conference, Ellensburg, WA.

Walker, S.L., Finke, J., Williams, B. & Bartel, K. (2018, September 27). Children of incarcerated parents portrayed in children’s and young adult literature: A reader’s theatre. Race and Pedagogy Institute, Tacoma, WA.

Walker, S.L. (2018, July 21). Making change to an online MEd-Literacy program: Successes and challenges. International Literacy Association Conference, Austin, TX.

 Walker, S. L. (2018, May 23). Family Literacy Nights: Academic service-learning in undergraduate teacher preparation. Civic Engagement Institute, Spokane, WA.

Walker, S. L. (2017, July, 15). Family Literacy Nights: Academic service-learning in undergraduate teacher preparation. International Literacy Association Conference, Orlando, FL.

Walker, S.L. (2016, July 10). Transforming a face-to-face graduate program to an on-line model: What we’ve learned along the way. International Literacy Association Conference, Boston, MA.

Walker, S., Flores, S., Williams, B., Finke, J. & Loverro, I. (2016, May 19). History of teacher education: A reader’s theatre. SOURCE, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA.

Walker, S., Spybrook, J., & Snedeker, J. (2016, April 20). University and rural partnerships in education: Challenges and opportunities. Civic Engagement Institute, Spokane, WA.

Walker, S. (2015, July 19). Encouraging pre-service teacher professional development: Creating ILA student clubs. International Literacy Association Conference, St. Louis, MO.

Finke, J., Butterfield, C., & Walker, S. (11, May, 2014). “Overall, I feel confident teaching reading to my students”: Literacy candidates’ comments about their self-confidence in teaching reading. International Reading Association Conference, New Orleans, LA.

Spybrook, J. & Walker, S. L. (3, May, 2013). Literacy embedded play centers and kits. Infant and Early Childhood Conference, Tacoma, WA.

Walker, S.L., McIntyre, E., Johnson, A., & Hulan, N. (April, 2013). What is rural? Portraits in children’s literature. International Reading Association Conference, San Antonio, TX.

Spybrook, J. & Walker, S. L. (23, February, 2013). Literacy embedded play centers. Connecting for children: Early learning conference, Yakima, WA.

Spybrook, J. & Walker, S. L. (4, May, 2012). Literacy embedded play centers and kits. Infant and Early Childhood Conference, Tacoma, WA.

Walker, S. L. & Feldman, J. (1, May, 2012). A puzzling association: How an educator and author influenced teacher educators. International Reading Association Conference, Chicago, IL.

Walker, S. & Spybrook, J. (10, May, 2011). Developing content knowledge in teachers and young children. International Reading Association Conference, Orlando, FL.

Walker, S. & Spybrook, J. (2010, April 11). Literacy embedded play centers. NWATE 2010 Conference, Ellensburg, WA.

Finke, J., Backlund, J., Butterfield, C. & Walker, S. (2010, April 10). Developing and implementing tools for program assessment: On-line surveys, portfolios, and exit interviews. NWATE 2010 Conference, Ellensburg, WA.

Butterfield, C., Finke, J., & Walker, S.L. (2009, April). Program analysis through on-line survey. Sixth Annual OSPI/Higher Education Assessment (and Standard V) Conference. Sea-Tac, WA.

Walker, S.L. & Tushkov, T. (2009. March). Podcasting in the college classroom. Educational Technology Center Workshop Series, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA.

Walker, S.L. (2009, February). Stories, rhymes, and songs: Using children’s literature to support language development. International Reading Association-West, Phoenix, AZ.

Walker, S.L. (2009, February). Family Book Clubs: Ideas for organizing.. International Reading Association-West, Phoenix, AZ.

Walker, S.L. (2009, February). Connecting readers to text: Phonemic awareness and phonic responses. International Reading Association-West, Phoenix, AZ.

Walker, S.L. & Wissehr, C. (2008, May). The relationship between language and scientific processes: What books are teachers using?International Reading Association, Atlanta, GA.

Walker, S.L. & Tushkov, T. (2008, May). How to podcast on iTunesU without knowing what you are doing: Working with those who do know. Collaborating with Colleagues, sponsored by MTIS, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA.

Walker, S.L. & Wissehr, C. (2007, May). Trade books and young children: Science concepts/ processes and language development. International Reading Association, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Wissehr, C. & Walker, S.L. (2007, March). Informational science trade books with young children. National Science Teachers Association, St. Louis, MO.

Walker, S. L. (2006, May). Family Child Care as a Preschool Experience. International Reading Association, Chicago, IL.

Walker, S. L. (2004, April). Literacy development in family day care: Ideas for providers. Midwest Association for the Education of Young Children, Overland Park, KS.

Walker, S.L. (2003, May). The literacy environment in family day care homes: Characteristics and implications for school personnel. Pre-Conference, International Reading Association, Orlando, FL.

Walker, S. L. (2002, November). WRITE, PLAY, PERFORM! Using the fine arts as literature response. Missouri State Council of the International Reading Association, November 2002, Lake Ozark. Co-presented with pre-service teachers from Stephens College.

Walker, S. L. (2002, April/May). Emergent literacy in family day care: Perceptions of three providers. International Reading Association, April/May 2002, San Francisco.

Walker, S. L. (2000, April/May) Letter writing as a form of response with pre-service teachers. International Reading Association, Indianapolis.

Walker, S. L. (2000, January) Playing solitaire: A metaphoric journey. Conference on Qualitative Research in Education, Athens, GA.

Walker, S. L. & Staccone, G. (1999, March). Portfolio development in pre-service teacher education programs. National Council for the Teachers of English, Cincinnati, OH.

Cristol, D. & Walker, S. L. (1999, February). Integrated teaching in pre-service teacher education programs. Association of Teacher Educators, Chicago, IL.

Cristol, D. & Walker, S. L. (1998, March). Integrated teaching in pre-service teacher education programs. Ohio Council for the Social Studies, Akron, OH. Co-presented with pre-service teachers from Bowling Green State University.     

Walker, S. L. (1998, April).Writing in the preschool years-Ideas for practitioners. Midwest Association for the Education of Young Children, Toledo, OH.

Walker, S. L. (1997, November). “This is hard work”: Natalie’s learning to read and write. The Excitement and Challenges of Childhood, Bowling Green, OH.

Walker, S. L. (1997, April). Teaching across the content areas. Ohio Council for the Social Studies, Columbus, OH. Co-presented with pre-service teachers from Bowling Green State University.

Walker, S. L. & MacGregor, J. (1997, February). Title I in a multi-age classroom-Ideas that work! Oregon Reading Conference, Portland, OR.

Walker, S. L. (1992, March). Integrating curriculum with the Silver-Burdett Reading Program. Silver-Burdett World of Reading Conference, Spokane, WA.

Walker, S. L. (1986, March). Using QAR as a comprehension strategy. WORD Conference, Kennewick, WA.

Collaborations with Students

Walker, S.L., Hutchinson, K., Zornes, N. Gobel, L. Wilson, K. (April, 2013). Courage: An interdisciplinary unit. International Reading Association Resource Bank of Interdisciplinary Units. Available at: https://literacyworldwide.org/get-resources/ila-bridges

Walker, S.L., Hutchinson, K., Zornes, N. Gobel, L. Wilson, K. (April, 2013). Courage: An interdisciplinary unit. International Reading Association, San Antonio, TX.

Walker, S.L. and Members of EDLT 419.01 (2010, May). Women’s Suffrage-A reader’s theatre. SOURCE, Ellensburg, WA.

Walker, S.L. & Members of EDRD 419.01. (2008, March 14). A (K)night of Stories. Central Washington University, Black Hall.

Walker, S.L., Fauth, M. & Swick, J. (2008, May). A (K)night of Stories: A community storytelling event as civic engagement. SOURCE, Ellensburg, WA.

Walker, S.L., & Members of EDRD 417.01. (2008, May 28). Literacy Development in Young Children Poster Session. Central Washington University Student Poster Sessions, Science Building, Marte Fallshore, Coordinator.

Creative Projects

Walker, S.L., Butterfield, C. Sledge, A., & Members of EDRD 419.01. (2010, Winter). Storytelling on iTunesU-Womens’ Suffrage Movement. Located at https://www.cwu.edu/cgi-bin/itunesu_user.cgi

Walker, S.L. & Members of EDRD 419.01. (2009, Winter). Storytelling on iTunesU-Original Readers’ Theatre. Located at https://www.cwu.edu/cgi-bin/itunesu_user.cgi

Walker, S.L. & Members of EDRD 419.01. (2008, Winter). Storytelling on iTunesU-Original Reader’s Theatre. Located at https://www.cwu.edu/cgi-bin/itunesu_user.cgi

Grants Awarded

Walker, S. L. (2017, May). Family Literacy Nights. Small Grants Committee, Central Washington University Foundation. Awarded $500.

Walker, S. L. & Spybrook, J. (2012). Literacy play kits: A collaboration between CWU teacher education candidates and Kittitas County Head Start. Dewing Foundation, Wisconsin. Awarded $5000.

Walker, S. L. (2012). Literacy play kits: A collaboration between CWU teacher education candidates and Kittitas County Head Start. ACEI Mini-Grant Award, ACEI, Washington, DC. Awarded $500.

Walker, S. L. & Spybrook, J. (2011, November). Literacy play kits:  A collaboration between CWU teacher candidates and area communities. Small Grants Committee, Central Washington University Foundation. Awarded $900.

Walker, S.L. & Doolittle, N. (March 2010). Family literacy nights. Implemented in conjunction with EDLT 421 Children’s Literature and the Family Resource Center. Small Grants Committee, Central Washington University Foundation. Awarded $400.

Walker, S.L., & Spybrook, J. (August 2009). Literacy embedded play centers. Implemented in conjunction with EDRD 417: Reading Readiness and Beginning Reading, EDSE 443: Preschool for Students with Developmental Delay, and the Ellensburg Children’s Activity Museum. Target Grant. Awarded $2500.

Walker, S.L. (March, 2009). Literacy embedded play centers. Implemented in conjunction with EDRD 417 Reading Readiness and Beginning Reading and the Ellensburg Children’s Activity Museum. Small Grants Committee, Central Washington University Foundation. Awarded $300.

Rybczynski, M., & Walker, S. L. (2000). Book Buddies-Afterschool! Submitted-Bowling Green State University Partnership Grants. $3000.

From 1987-1994, helped to secure over $42,000 in grant funds from Washington State Department of Education, the Wapato School District (WA), and the Ellensburg School District (WA) for various curriculum design/implementation and staff development projects.

Service

International

• The Green Earth Book Award Selection Committee. 2023-Present. The Nature Generation.
•  Board of Directors. 2023-present. Children’s Literature Special Interest Group of the International Literacy Association.
•  Notable Books for a Global Society Selection Committee, 2020-2023. Children’s Literature Special Interest Group of the International Literacy Association.
• Board of Directors, 2016-2018. Children’s Literature Special Interest Group of the International Literacy Association.
• Reviewer, Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education. Fall 2013-present.
• Assistant Editor, Affective Reading Education Journal. 2013-2014. Served as assistant editor with Dr. Janet Finke.
• Rural Diversity Committee, International Reading Association. 2011-2014. Responsible for making recommendations about rural literacy education.
• Special Interest Groups (SIG) Committee, International Reading Association. 2005-2007. Responsible for serving as a liaison between SIGs and IRA; making recommendations to the IRA Board of Directors; and communication between SIGs and Board of Directors.
• Literacy Development for the Young Child (LDYC) SIG of the International Reading Association Newsletter Editor. Spring 2002-2010. Work closely with the President and Secretary of the LDYC in order to publish the newsletter.

State

• PESB Reading Endorsement Advisory Board. 2022-Present. As a member of the committee, responsible for making recommendations on the revision of the reading endorsement standards for WA teachers. Met with state legislators as part of the process.
• PESB Reading Endorsement Standards Review Board. 2019-2020. As a member of the committee, responsible for making recommendations on the revision of the reading endorsement standards for WA teachers.
• State Network of Educators, OSPI and Smarter Balanced Assessment. 2013-2014. Responsible for creating and vetting formative assessments to be included in a database for assessment preparation for the CCSS.

University

• General Education Course Development, Central Washington University. (Summer, 2017-Summer 2018). Developed three courses for the General Education Curriculum. Two were accepted.
• SOURCE Judge, Central Washington University, (2017, Spring). Evaluated student research projects as part of the SOURCE symposium.
• EDTL Library Liaison, Central Washington University. Fall, 2017-present. Provided feedback to the library contacts for the EDTL.
• Central Washington Writing and Math Project, Central Washington University and seven regional school districts. (August 2015-June 2016). Responsible for providing in-service and guidance to school personnel as they implement interim assessments.
• Coordinator of Academic Service Learning Faculty Fellows, Central Washington University, Fall 2014-2017. Responsible for coordinating the Academic Service Learning program at CWU, including recruitment of fellows, meeting coordination, project coordination, and supervision of budget.
• Graduate Program Committee, Central Washington University, Fall 2014-2018. Serve as representative of the MEd-Literacy Program.
• CTL Advisory Council AdHoc Committee, Central Washington University. Fall, 2013. Responsible for resolving field placement contact hour deficit, collection of evidence for the edTPA, successful acquisition of Standard V: Knowledge and Skills for pre-service teachers, and substitution process for EFC courses based on CCSS, TPEP, and edTPA.
• Elementary Education Advisory/Revisioning Committee, Central Washington University. 2010-2016. Committee responsible for making recommendations about changes to the Elementary Education program major.
• Academic Service Learning/Faculty Fellows, Central Washington University, 2007-present. Committee responsible for incorporating community-based experiences in higher education courses. Incorporated field experience/service learning components within undergraduate courses in the forms of a family-literacy event with a local elementary school, as well as literacy experiences at Kittitas County Head Start and the Ellensburg Children’s Activity Museum.
• Library Book Service Review Committee, Central Washington University, 2007-2015. Committee responsible for recommending library acquisitions important to the Department of Education.
• On-line Learning Community, Central Washington University, 2008-present. Committee responsible for exploring avenues of incorporating on-line learning experiences at the higher education level.
• Partners in Education Committee, Stephens College, 2002-2004. Committee responsible for planning and implementing events with Lee Elementary, Stephens’ Partner in Education.
• Internal Review Board, Stephens College, 2001-2004. Committee responsible for monitoring research projects conducted by college faculty. Served as chair of the committee for the 2003-2004 academic year.
• Strategic Planning-Marketing and Enrollment Committee, Stephens College, Fall 2003. Committee responsible for setting guidelines of marketing college to outside entities. Also responsible for setting direction for enrollment and retention of students.
• Sexual Harassment Committee, Stephens College, 2002-2003. Committee responsible for reviewing issues of harassment reported in the campus setting.
• Faculty Elections Committee, Stephens College, 2002-2003. Committee responsible for holding and verifying faculty committee elections.
• Early Childhood Licensure Committee, Bowling Green State University. 1996-1998 academic years. Committee responsible for realigning the undergraduate teacher preparation program in order to meet the new Ohio state standards.
• Middle Childhood Licensure Committee, Bowling Green State University. 1996-1998 academic years. Committee responsible for realigning the undergraduate teacher preparation program in order to meet the new Ohio state standards.

College

• CEPS Personnel Committee, Central Washington University. Fall, 2018-Fall 2022. Served as a member of the Personnel Committee. Responsible for reviewing faculty files for reappointment, tenure, and promotion.
• Lab School Exploration Committee, Central Washington University, Spring, 2018. Served as a member of the committee charged with exploring the possibility of reintroducing a lab school to CWU.
• Dance Search Committee. PESHM, Central Washington University, Fall 2017-Winter 2018. Served as a member of the search committee responsible for reviewing files and interviewing candidates for the position.

Department

• Graduation Ready Event, (2021, Winter). Central Washington University. Participated in Teacher Education Event as Candidates prepared for graduation.
• Literacy Search Committee Chair. EDTL, Central Washington University, Fall 2019-Winter 2020; Fall, 2020-Winter 2021, Winter 2022-Spring 2022, Fall 2022-Winter 2023. Served as the chair of the search committee responsible for reviewing files and interviewing candidates for the position.
• Special Education Search Committee. EDTL, Central Washington University, Fall 2022-Winter 2023. Served as a member of the search committee responsible for reviewing files and interviewing candidates for the position.
• Social Studies Search Committee. EDTL, Central Washington University, Fall 2018-Winter 2019. Served as a member of the search committee responsible for reviewing files and interviewing candidates for the position.
• Revised Course Development, Central Washington University. (Summer 2018-Spring 2018). Revised three courses for the revised elementary education program. The standard course syllabi are used by all who teach the courses.
• Personnel Committee, Central Washington University, 2013-2016. Responsible for reviewing tenure and promotion materials of department members.
• Literacy Faculty Search Committee, Central Washington University, 2012-2013; 2013-2014. Committee responsible for evaluating and interviewing candidates for literacy faculty position.
• Sunshine Committee, Central Washington University, 2007-2010. Committee responsible for celebrating and supporting life milestones within the Department of Education.
• Literacy Faculty Search Committee, Central Washington University, 2007-2008. Committee responsible for evaluating and interviewing candidates for literacy faculty position.

Program

• Literacy Program Lead. Fall 2019-present. Responsible for administrative aspects of the Literacy program.
• Ed.-Literacy Graduate Program Coordinator. 2102-present. Responsible for the advising of the M.Ed.-Literacy candidates and a portion of the administration of the program.
• On-line Programs Committee, Literacy Program, Central Washington University, 2009-2012. Served as a member and leader of revision of the literacy minor and M.Ed.-Reading Specialist to an online format.
• Textbook Review Committee, Reading Program, Central Washington University, 2007-2008. Committee responsible for acquiring, reviewing, and recommending textbook(s) for EDRD 308 and 309 for the 2008-2009 academic year.

Community

• Supervised more than 1000 elementary education and literacy practicum teacher candidates in the Ellensburg School District, in-person and remotely as an instructor of EDLT 409-Literacy II/ELEM 341-Reading Assessment and Instruction/EDLT 493 Practicum since teaching for CWU. Included Academic Service Learning in collaboration with the Center for Diversity and Social Justice and the Brooks Library as part of undergraduate coursework. Served as an academic advisor for elementary education and literacy teacher candidates.
• Family Literacy Nights, Ellensburg and Central Washington University, 2008-present. Responsible for organizing Family Literacy Nights in collaboration with the Department of Education, Development, Teaching, and Learning, the Diversity and Equity Center, Brooks Library, Lincoln Elementary, Ida Nason Aronica Elementary, and Mt. Stuart Elementary. More than 600 preservice teachers have participated with more than 1600 books distributed to Kittitas Valley children during these quarterly events.
• Classroom Volunteer, Ellensburg School District, Fall 2014-Spring 2017. Volunteered one day a week in a first grade, fifth grade, and kindergarten classroom.
• Head Start Board of Directors, Kittitas County, Washington. 2007- 2010. Responsible for issues of governance concerning the Head Start Program.
• Head Start Transition and Disability Committee, Columbia Area Head Start. 2002-present. Committee responsible for creating, disseminating, and implementing ideas for transitioning children from the Head Start program into the public school system. Participated as community member in peer review and federal reviews of programs and sites.

Book, Conference, Grant, and Manuscript Reviewer

Danielle Hartsfield (Ed.). (2021). Handbook of Research on Teaching Diverse Youth Literature to Pre-Service Professionals. Hershey, PA: IGI Global. https://www.igi-global.com/book/handbook-research-teaching-diverse-youth/262923#peer-review-process

Affective Reading Education Journal Reviewer. 2010-2013.

Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education Reviewer. 2011-present.

Grant, K. & Ray, J. (2006). Preparing new teachers: Role engagement for family involvement. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. August, 2006-2008.

DFS Child Care Grants. (November-December, 2002). State of Missouri.

National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators Conference Reviewer. Fall, 2003 and Fall, 2004.

Tompkins, G. (2000). Literacy for the 21^st Century. Columbus, OH: Merrill. Completed July 1998.

National Reading Conference Proposal Reviewer. Winter, 1997. Under the direction of Dr. Suzanne Krause, University of Toledo.

Club Advisor

• CentralWORD, Central Washington University, 2010-2019. Worked with a group of elementary education and literacy education teacher candidates in order to re-establish a Student Group of the International Reading Association. Currently serving as co-club advisor with Dr. Janet Finke.

Publicity

Bedtime Stories at CWU: Teacher Candidates Host Family Reading Nights. (2015, October 27). Daily Record., Ellensburg, WA. Julia Martinez, reporter.

Family Literacy Nights. (2010, November 4). KCWU Noon News, Ellensburg, WA. Isa Harrison, reporter.

HB5091-Math, Science and Special Education Teacher Deficits. (2003, February 5). KOMU-TV, Columbia, MO. Monique Cooper, reporter.

Professional Affiliations

• International Literacy Association.
• OTEL-A Special Interest Group of the International Literacy Association
• CARE-A Special Interest Group of the International Literacy Association
• LDYC-A Special Interest Group of the International Literacy Association
• PRTE-A Special Interest Group of the International Literacy Association
• Children’s Literature and Reading- A Special Interest Group of the International Reading Association
• National Association for Early Childhood Teacher Educators
• Washington Organization for Reading Development
• Association for Childhood Education International
• National Council for the Teachers of English
• Whole Language Umbrella
• National Association for the Education of Young Children

Awards and Recognition

• 2023, Central Washington University Distinguished Professor for Service.
• 2020, Central Washington University College of Professional Studies Distinguished Teacher.
• 2020, Central Washington University, Nominated for CWU Distinguished Teacher.
• 2012, March. Central Washington University College of Education and Professional Studies, Department of Language, Literacy, and Special Education. Recognition of Research.
• 2011, March. Central Washington University College of Education and Professional Studies, Department of Language, Literacy, and Special Education. Recognition of Research and Teaching.
• 2010, March. Central Washington University College of Education and Professional Studies, Department of Education. Recognition of Service.
• 2009, March. Central Washington University College of Education and Professional Studies, Department of Education. Recognition of Service.
• 2005 University of Missouri College of Education Instructor of the Year.
• University of Missouri College of Education High Flyer Award, 2004-2005; 2005-2006; 2006-2007 (Given to instructors who receive course evaluations of 4.5 and above on a 5-point scale).