EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Chair (2019-2020)
Malene Golding is currently the Director of Elementary Literacy in Houston ISD, the seventh largest district in the nation serving over 215,000 students. In this capacity, she assists upper management in efforts to direct, develop, and evaluate the district’s comprehensive literacy plan, as well as manages, plans, organizes, and develops systemic changes to improve student literacy in collaboration with other central office departments and district campuses. Malene has been a professional educator for almost twenty years in the state of Texas teaching, coaching, and managing reading and writing teachers, as well as administrators and specialists. She is also the sole proprietor of an independent education consulting business, which has provided critical professional development in reading and writing instruction for universities, regional centers, districts, and campuses. Simplifying reading and writing instruction for teachers and students is one of Malene’s passions. She is convinced that it is essential to create informational learning opportunities that are purposeful, but also engaging and fun.
Chair-Elect (2019-2020)
Alida Hudson is currently a Ph.D. student in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Reading and Literacy at Texas A&M University. She earned a Masters of Education in Reading from Sam Houston State University and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University. Prior to becoming a full-time doctoral student, Alida taught in Texas public education for 11 years, including serving as a classroom teacher and reading specialist. During this time, Alida became an active member of TALE because of the professional resources and network it provides for classroom practitioners. Alida also serves as the Director for TALE’s Communication Committee. Alida maintains an active scholarly agenda publishing and presenting at the local, state, regional, and national levels.
Executive Secretary
Rebekah E. Piper is an Assistant Professor of Literacy in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Texas A&M University San Antonio. Rebekah earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Literacy Education and Cultural Studies, International Education, and Multicultural Education (CSIEME) from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Rebekah is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the International Literacy Association, the Children’s Literature Association, and the Texas Association for Literacy Education. Her research interests include pre-service literacy teacher education, children’s literature, identity development, and early literacy development. Rebekah teaches undergraduate and graduate course work in literacy education and serves her community by working with organizations that promote literacy and service.
Treasurer (2019-2021)
Shelly Landreth, Ed.D. is an Assistant Professor of Reading at the University of Texas Permian Basin in Odessa. She earned her Doctorate in Literacy from Sam Houston State University in 2019. Prior to moving to higher education, Shelly spent 23 years in K-12 education serving as a secondary teacher, librarian, and curriculum director in Texas public schools. She is involved in several professional organizations, including Texas Association for Literacy Education, International Literacy Association, and Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers, where she enjoys connecting with colleagues at conferences and presenting on literacy related topics. Shelly’s professional interests include issues related to secondary reading, especially equipping secondary educators with the necessary tools to assist their struggling readers.
Past President (2018-2019 & 2019-2020)
Laurie A. Sharp is currently an Associate Professor and the Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies for First- and Second-Year Experience at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. Laurie holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, a Master of Elementary Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Previous to her current role at Tarleton, Laurie was the Dr. John G. O'Brien Distinguished Chair in Education in the College of Education and Social Sciences at West Texas A&M University, a faculty member at Tarleton State University, an adjunct instructor at Tarrant County College, and a classroom teacher in Florida and Texas public schools. Laurie is an active member in numerous professional organizations and special interest groups, and she currently serves as an elected member of the ILA Board of Directors for the 2019-2022 term. Laurie has received several honors for teaching and maintains an active scholarly agenda where she publishes and presents through numerous local, regional, state, and national venues on topics related to education, literacy, and student success.
