Kristin Javorsky, an associate professor in the Department of Teacher Education and Leadership at Mississippi State University (MSU), has been recognized as the first recipient of the Dr. Susan McLaren Brooks Endowed Elementary Education Professorship. This announcement signifies the establishment of the inaugural endowed professorship within the MSU College of Education.
Creation of the Professorship
The professorship was created in honor of the late Laren Brooks, a devoted school teacher in Mississippi, by her family. The endowment is intended to assist Javorsky in her initiatives aimed at enhancing literacy throughout the state.
Support from the College of Education
Teresa Jayroe, dean of the College of Education, expressed appreciation to the Brooks family for their contribution, noting the potential of the endowment to support Javorsky’s significant work in literacy advancement. Jayroe stated that the endowment would enable Javorsky to continue her efforts to improve literacy rates in Mississippi, emphasizing the importance of community support in education.
Javorsky’s Impact on Literacy
Javorsky has played a critical role in promoting literacy within local communities through collaborative efforts with agencies such as the U.S. Department of Education and the Mississippi Department of Education, as well as various local school districts. Her objectives in utilizing the professorship include the integration of research-based literacy strategies into teacher training programs.
International Education Initiatives
Javorsky has also been involved in international education initiatives, serving as a co-principal investigator on a grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development aimed at developing standardized teacher preparation curricula in Liberia. She previously led a grant from the U.S. Department of Education focusing on literacy promotion through after-school and community programs.
Academic Background
With a doctorate in educational studies specializing in language, literacy, and culture, Javorsky also holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from the University of South Florida. Additionally, she is an active member of the executive board of the Mississippi Council of Teachers of English, as well as the Mississippi Higher Education Literacy Council.
About the College of Education
The College of Education at MSU includes five academic departments and various service units dedicated to enhancing educational standards and practices.
Original source: Mississippi State University Newsroom.