EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Chair (2025 - 2026)
|
Dr. Robin Johnson Pizzitola, an Associate Professor at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, is the Lead Site Coordinator for the Islander Residency Program and the Elementary Education Program Coordinator for the Curriculum, Instruction, and Learning Sciences Department in the College of Education and Human Development. She is also the Program Director for Barrio Writers, a Diamond-level Abydos literacy facilitator, and the author of the teacher practitioner book Time to Write. Her other professional roles include Past President of the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers, Past President of the South Central Area Network for School-University Partnerships, and former Co-Chair of the ATE/NAPDS Clinical Fellows Symposium. Her research interests include transliteracy, transformative practice in writing instruction, and field-based experiences in teacher education.
|
Chair-Elect (2025 - 2026)
Amber Woodard is currently a clinical instructor and Reading Academy cohort leader at East Texas A&M University. She is seeking her doctoral degree in Supervision, Curriculum, and Instruction at ETAMU as well. She has well over a decade of experience in all grades ranging from Pre-K to 6th grade in both public and private schools. She has served as a general education teacher, a special education teacher, an RTI interventionist/coordinator, and provided dyslexia services during her time in education. She exudes a joy and passion for literacy…knowing the sheer magic that books possess to transform the lives of students both mentally and emotionally.
Vice President (2019-Present)
Dr. Jacqueline Ingram is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the School of Teaching and Learning at
Sam Houston State University. She earned an Ed.D in Literacy from Sam Houston State
University, and an M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction and a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies
from Texas A&M University. Prior to teaching in higher education, Jackie taught in Texas public
education for 15 years. She has been involved with TALE since 2015 and currently serves as
Vice President and Chair of Membership Development. Jackie also serves as Chair of the
Teacher Education and Professional Development division of ALER (Association of Literacy
Educators and Researchers), and is a faculty co-sponsor for SHSU’s chapter of the Texas
Association of Future Educators (TAFE). Her research interests include content and disciplinary
literacy, adolescent literacy, and pre-service teacher education.
Sam Houston State University. She earned an Ed.D in Literacy from Sam Houston State
University, and an M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction and a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies
from Texas A&M University. Prior to teaching in higher education, Jackie taught in Texas public
education for 15 years. She has been involved with TALE since 2015 and currently serves as
Vice President and Chair of Membership Development. Jackie also serves as Chair of the
Teacher Education and Professional Development division of ALER (Association of Literacy
Educators and Researchers), and is a faculty co-sponsor for SHSU’s chapter of the Texas
Association of Future Educators (TAFE). Her research interests include content and disciplinary
literacy, adolescent literacy, and pre-service teacher education.
Executive Secretary (2025 - 2027)
|
Dr. Melissa Wesney is an Assistant Professor of Education at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, where she specializes in curriculum and teaching. With over 20 years of experience in education, Dr. Wesney has a diverse background as both an elementary school teacher and an instructional coach. Her career has been dedicated to improving educational practices and supporting the development of future educators. Currently, Dr. Wesney teaches undergraduate courses on The Science of Reading, equipping aspiring teachers with the essential knowledge and skills to support literacy development in early learners. Her expertise lies in curriculum design and pedagogical strategies, with a particular focus on evidence-based practices that enhance student learning outcomes. Dr. Wesney is committed to fostering a collaborative and dynamic learning environment for her students, helping them to become effective and informed educators in the field of elementary education.
|
Treasurer (2024 - 2026)
Bonnie E. Cabeza, M.Ed. Bonnie Cabeza has spent 13 years in public education in many different literacy roles. Currently, she is the associate director of admissions at TMI Episcopal in San Antonio, TX.
Past Chair (2024-2025)
Sara Ranzau, EdD is currently an instructional coach in Boerne ISD. She has also served as an adjunct professor at Schreiner University in Kerrville, TX and the Advocacy Committee Director for TALE. She received her Ed.D. in education with a focus in literacy from Sam Houston State University in 2016 and recently completed a certificate course on Trauma Informed Instruction through North Central College in Illinois. Dr. Ranzau has taught at schools in a variety of cities and situations throughout Texas since she began her career in 2003. Her undergraduate degree is in theatre education, so she believes she often brings a new take on a lesson or activity into her classrooms. She enjoys working with teachers and looks forward to continuing to serve the membership of TALE in her role on the board.
