Jacqueline
PhD Student
Literacy Studies

Jacqueline Smilack is a PhD student specializing in Literacy Studies. While working in Denver Public Schools, Jackie specialized in secondary literacy curriculum development, designing and facilitating professional learning opportunities for English teachers, and supporting teachers and leaders in best practices within literacy instruction. Jackie's research interests include how teachers at the secondary level approach reading instruction, particularly for students who are significantly behind grade level. She is also interested in how curricula designed and facilitated with culturally and historically lenses support students in their work toward mastery. Education: MA in English (Rhetoric and the Teaching of Writing), University of Colorado-Denver (2013); Bachelor's in Journalism; University of Missouri-Columbia