Reading Expert Honored

By Janet Roehl

One of the leading experts in reading and literacy is being inducted into the ENMU College of Education and Technology Educator Hall of Fame. Dr. Gay Su Pinnell (BA 66) earned her undergraduate degree at ENMU before earning advanced degrees in reading education at Ohio State University.

“I am glad that I grew up in a small town and then spent the first four years of higher education there as well. Eastern offered a familiar environment with new ideas that helped me grow and change. I left well prepared for anything big I would encounter,” comments Dr. Pinnell.

Dr. Gay Su Pinnell

“The Eastern faculty members were supportive and student-oriented. They took personal responsibility for high quality teaching,” Dr. Pinnell says. “When I later became a college teacher, I drew from many good models.” Dr. Pinnell has extensive experience in classroom teaching and field-based research, and has developed and implemented comprehensive approaches to literacy education. She was instrumental in bringing Reading Recovery to the United States and has devoted herself to supporting its expansion. “Every child needs excellent teaching, year after year. Excellent education depends on good teaching; and it is, or should be, a national priority,” Dr. Pinnell states.

Dr. Pinnell received the International Reading Association’s Albert J. Harris Award for research in reading difficulties. She received the Charles A. Dana Foundation Award, given for pioneering contributions in the fields of health and education. She is a member of the Reading Hall of Fame.

Her passion for reading research and pedagogy has resulted in a profusion of publications focused on supporting teachers and students in literacy development. She has co-authored

many publications on reading, writing, creative thinking and professional development for teachers.

“Preparing teachers was a high priority at Eastern and it remains so today. It’s interesting to think of the sweeping impact that Eastern graduates have had on children over the years. Everyone at this University should be proud.”