DATE: May 24, 2007

CONTACT: LInda Gambrell, (864) 656-6334
lgamb@clemson.edu

WRITER: Ross Norton, (864) 656-4810
rnorton@clemson.edu

Hall of Fame educator leads International Reading Association

CLEMSON — Clemson University education professor Linda B. Gambrell takes over the presidency of the International Reading Association this month. She has served as vice president since her election in 2005.

Gambrell is the only person elected to serve as president of the three leading literacy organizations in the United States: College Reading Association (1981-82), National Reading Conference (1999-2000) and the International Reading Association (2007-08).  She began her career as an elementary classroom teacher and reading specialist in Prince George’s County, Md.  

She has authored a number of books on reading instruction such as “Best Practices in Literacy Instruction” (Guilford) and has published articles in “Reading Research Quarterly,” “Educational Psychologist” and the “Journal of Educational Research.”  From 1992 to 1997, Gambrell was principal investigator at the National Reading Research Center, where she directed its literacy motivation project.  

Gambrell’s contributions have been recognized with the 1998 International Reading Association’s Outstanding Teacher Educator in Reading Award, the 2001 National Reading Conference Albert J. Kingston Award, the 2002 College Reading Associate Laureate Award and in 2004 she was elected to the Reading Hall of Fame.

Gambrell said she believes that promoting literacy is a noble mission.

“Members of the International Reading Association are passionate about the literacy challenge of ensuring that every individual develops literacy potential for personal fulfillment and participation in society,” she said.

Gambrell is a professor of reading education in Clemson's Eugene T. Moore School of Education.

The International Reading Association is the leading professional organization in the world devoted to promoting literacy, with approximately 90,000 members in more than 100 countries. The International Reading Association promotes high literacy levels by focusing on effective reading instruction, reading research, and policy initiatives.