What We Do
The University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI – pronounced “you fly”) is an ongoing effort by UF faculty and students to improve literacy outcomes for struggling students by addressing two key areas: reader development and teacher development. UFLI began in 1998 as a tutoring model for struggling beginning readers, but it now encompasses a variety of literacy projects, including tutoring and instructional models for struggling readers, assistance to schools and school districts, and teacher education and professional development.
Reader Development programs focus on assessment, instruction, and intervention for students.
Teacher Development programs prepare preservice teachers and practicing educators to use evidence-based instructional practices to serve struggling readers. These programs include graduate coursework, school-based supports, and online professional learning experiences to reach teachers worldwide.
Our Mission and Vision
Mission:
UFLI advances literacy for all through educator and learner development.
Vision:
We envision a time when every person experiences success in literacy.
Making an impact on the future of literacy
At home in Florida, we have endeavored to improve reading instruction throughout the state. Our intensive, school-based professional development efforts have focused on deepening teachers’ knowledge and enhancing their classroom application of evidence-based instructional methods. Over the past year, we have broadened our focus to include supporting the development of district leaders and school administrators. This expansion will help school districts build capacity and create systems in which our teacher development work can thrive.
We have cultivated new partnerships to expand our impact throughout Florida. We are working with the Just Read, Florida office to provide professional development and resources for the new state Literacy Directors. We have held a series of webinars For the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resource System to enhance the literracy support they provide to teachers in every district.
Our Research
Holly Lane, Ph.D.
Director
Vivian Gonsalves, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
Kristi Cheyney-Collante, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
Valentina Contesse, Ph.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor
Matthew Burns, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
Mindy Nissenberg, M.A.
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Colleen Pollett, Ed.D.
UFLI Foundations Manager
Alyssa Ricke, Ed.D.
Sponsored Classrooms Coordinator
Rasheeda West, Ed.D.
Special Projects Coordinator
Stefanie McLeod, M.Ed.
Professional Development Coordinator
Amanda Newman, M.A.
Leadership and Systems Coordinator
Carrie Perry, M.Ed.
Partnership Facilitator
Jill Ellis, M.S.
Implementation Specialist
Sue Dunbar, M.Ed.
Implementation Specialist
Tami Adkison, M.A.
Implementation Specialist
Christina Giddings, M.Ed.
Implementation Specialist
Ashley Lee, M.Ed.
Implementation Specialist
Carley Lovell, M.Ed.
Implementation Specialist
Keri Madsen, Ph.D.
Implementation Specialist
Sharon Metz, M.Ed.
Implementation Specialist
Meredith Nardone, M.S.
Implementation Specialist
Rachel Pittman, M.S.
Implementation Specialist
Candy Plasschaert, Ed.S.
Implementation Specialist
Stacy Pound, B.A.
Implementation Specialist
Annie Raynes, M.Ed.
Implementation Specialist
Jennifer Reeves, M.Ed.
Community Outreach Coordinator
Elizabeth Robbins, Ed.D.
Implementation Specialist
Lauren Scholl, B.A.
Implementation Specialist
Mary Anne Steinberg, Ph.D.
Implementation Specialist
Megan Vonderhaar, M.Ed.
Implementation Specialist
Angela Wells, M.Ed.
Implementation Specialist
Shaira Rivas-Otero
Administrative Specialist II
Vicki Tucker
Financial Analyst II
Michell York
Administrative Assistant III
Christina Flake, M.Ed.
Gentry O'Steen, M.Ed.
Kelley Taksier, M.Ed.
Casey Balkcom, M.Ed.
Flo Bason, M.Ed.
Concepción Cummings, M.Ed.
María Giani, M.Ed.
Danielle Jeannite, M.Ed.
Deana West, M.Ed.
Gab Arfaras-Andrews, M.A.
Zoe Dean, M.S.
Christina Giddings, M.Ed.
Lauren Kern, M.S.
Jake Burklew, M.A.
Tiyana Morton, Ed.S.
Lauren Shepherd, M.Ed.
Tyran Butler, Ph.D
Shaunté Duggins, Ph.D.
Nicholas Gage, Ph.D.
Caitlin Gallingane, Ph.D.
Alisa Hanson, Ed.D.
Kathrin Maki, Ph.D.
Linda Lombardino, Ph.D.
Sunshine Moss, Ph.D.
Mark Pacheco, Ph.D.
Phil Poekert, Ph.D.
Paige Pullen, Ph.D.
Christopher Redding, Ph.D.
Jim Burke
Sarah Giuliani, Ph.D.
Meridith Strout, Ph.D.
