The Jack Cassidy Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Jack Cassidy is a Professor Emeritus at Millersville University in Pennsylvania. He is known for his work on literacy trends and issues as exemplified by his yearly column in Reading Today, “What’s Hot, What’s Not.” He is a former President of the International Reading Association and the College Reading Association and is the co-founder of the Texas Association of Literacy Association. His hard work and dedication is appreciated by TALE, and this award, named in his honor, is designed to recognize individuals who support literacy education in the state of Texas. This award is presented to any teacher-- public, elementary, secondary, or university level-- who has demonstrated exemplary service in this field.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2020-2021 recipient.
Guidelines for Selection of Recipient:
1. Nominees must have made significant contributions in the area of literacy education in the form of scholarship, teaching, and professional service.
2. Nominees must have made a significant contribution to TALE and the education profession.
3. Nominees must be a member of TALE.
Nominations will be accepted from current TALE members. To nominate an individual for TALE's 2021 Jack Cassidy Distinguished Service Award, please complete the following electronic submission form: https://forms.gle/XTZ7Z7M7qgx3XPPX6
Nominations will be accepted through Friday, February 12, 2021, at 11:59 PM.
2019-2020 Recipient: Dr. Patricia Durham
Dr. Paticia Durham has demonstrated great contributions to the field of literacy education through scholarly activities. In working with Dr. Durham, it is evident through her scholarship that she is committed to increasing the effectiveness of inservice teacher practice and pedagogy in the field of literacy. Dr. Durham has published several articles in various literacy education journals, including Journal of Research in Childhood Education, Texas Journal of Literacy Education, and the ALER Yearbook. Additionally, she has published a book, Becoming Fluent in the Language of Content: Developing Strategic Readers as Critical Consumers of Information and contributed to a book chapter. In addition to the published works, Patricia has been active in various literacy organizations and engages with other literacy scholars through presentations at annual conventions and meetings such as The International Literacy Association, The Association of Literacy Educator Researchers, and the UK Literacy Association. Dr. Durham is also the program chair for the Masters in Literacy at Sam Houston State University. In this role, she oversees the graduate program and teaches graduate courses in literacy.Dr. Patricia Durham has shown a deep devotion to the field of literacy through her service and leadership. She served as the President of TALE from 2014-2015. Dr. Durham has been an integral part of the success and growth of TALE. Patrica was one of the founding members of the TALE and was instrumental in drafting Bylaws for the organization. Additionally, Dr. Durham has served as the TALE IRA state coordinator search committee chair as well as the strategic planning committee chair. Dr. Durham also worked to plan the 2015 TALE conference and served as a TEKS Advocacy Representative for TALE during ELAR standard revision. In this role, Patricia Durham testified to the Texas State Board of Education at nearly every board meeting. Testimony included sharing the voices of TALE membership regarding opinions of the current TEKS as well as thoughts on needed revisions. She also worked with the Writing Committees to help with the ELAR TEKS revisions. When the new ELAR TEKS were rolled out, TALE members were proud that these standards were crafted in good conscience by the writing committees and included TALE members’ voices.
2018-2019 Recipient: Dr. Laurie Sharp
In the area of scholarship, Dr. Sharp has increased effectiveness in teacher education programs. Laurie’s dedication to this work is paramount to those entering the field of education. She has maintained an active research agenda and remains active in professional organizations which advocate for literacy education. In addition to membership in organizations such as the International Literacy Association, the Association for Literacy Education Researchers, and the Texas Association for Literacy Education, Laurie serves in leadership capacities that promote growth at an organization level. Finally, Laurie has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and coauthored a research text.
Teaching is an area that Laurie practices an action research approach to teaching and learning. Setting high expectations for her students and supporting their learning through active engagement and learning activities is of high importance to Dr. Sharp. Finally, Laurie is committed to advancing students in their educational knowledge of literacy development. Specifically, working with colleagues to draft and propose a doctoral program at West Texas A&M University. Providing these types of opportunities for students is critical for the success of children in PK-12 schooling.
Dr. Sharp’s commitment and service to TALE is insurmountable. She approaches the service-oriented work with energy and her passion for the organization is evident. Dr. Sharp has been an integral part of TALE’s growth and recognition as an outstanding literacy organization in Texas. She has been a served on the TALE board since 2013 in various roles including an at-large board member, vice president, president elect, president, and currently she serves as the former chair. In addition to her role on the board, Dr. Sharp has been actively involved in many aspects of TALE. She has served as the chair of the Advocacy Committee, the editor for the TALE Yearbook, and the co-chair for two TALE conferences. Her recently published article, “Continuing the TALE of Advocacy”, in Literacy Today demonstrates her passion for this organization and her work to make TALE a national name.
Teaching is an area that Laurie practices an action research approach to teaching and learning. Setting high expectations for her students and supporting their learning through active engagement and learning activities is of high importance to Dr. Sharp. Finally, Laurie is committed to advancing students in their educational knowledge of literacy development. Specifically, working with colleagues to draft and propose a doctoral program at West Texas A&M University. Providing these types of opportunities for students is critical for the success of children in PK-12 schooling.
Dr. Sharp’s commitment and service to TALE is insurmountable. She approaches the service-oriented work with energy and her passion for the organization is evident. Dr. Sharp has been an integral part of TALE’s growth and recognition as an outstanding literacy organization in Texas. She has been a served on the TALE board since 2013 in various roles including an at-large board member, vice president, president elect, president, and currently she serves as the former chair. In addition to her role on the board, Dr. Sharp has been actively involved in many aspects of TALE. She has served as the chair of the Advocacy Committee, the editor for the TALE Yearbook, and the co-chair for two TALE conferences. Her recently published article, “Continuing the TALE of Advocacy”, in Literacy Today demonstrates her passion for this organization and her work to make TALE a national name.
Previous Recipients
Jack Cassidy, 2013-2014
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Stephanie Grote-Garcia, 2014-2015
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Susan Szabo, 2015-2016
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Rosalind Horowitz, 2017-2018
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