Cheryl Dozier

Dr. Cheryl Dozier, a former classroom teacher of kindergarten through eighth grade in urban and suburban classrooms, is an associate professor and co-chair in the Department of Literacy Teaching and Learning. She directs the UAlbany Literacy Lab, a capstone practicum experience located in local schools for graduate students becoming literacy specialists. Since 2019, Dr. Dozier has been the Associate Dean for Academic Advancement in the School of Education. In her role as Associate Dean, she is involved with SOE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, including the Touhey Family Fellows, a program designed to diversify the pipeline for future teachers and counseling professions and to enrich the educational experiences of future professionals. Dr. Dozier, with doctoral student Joy Stephens, leads a winter session study abroad experience in Belize where undergraduates engage in writing events with learners and families in town and village schools.

Dr. Dozier co-leads a national research study group on literacy lab/reading clinic preparation for the Literacy Research Association (LRA). The study group’s two most recent national studies focus on family engagement and clinic/lab responses to COVID. Cheryl has written two books, Critical Literacy/Critical Teaching: Tools for Preparing Responsive Teachers (2006) with Peter Johnston and Rebecca Rogers, and Responsive Literacy Coaching (2006). Dr. Dozier’s research examines relationships among responsive teaching, learners, and families toward creating a more just and equitable society.

Dr. Dozier’s grants have included the Teacher Leadership Quality Partnership (TLQP) grant to support teacher leadership with teachers and paraprofessionals in the Albany City School District. In 2017, she received the University at Albany’s President’s Award for Exemplary Public Engagement for this nine-year teacher leadership partnership. In addition, Cheryl mentored teachers and preservice candidates through a graduate level clinically rich grant with Amsterdam High School, and led a teacher education networking grant with SUNY teacher preparation programs.

In 2019, Dr. Dozier received the Excellence in Education Award from the University at Albany Alumni Association. In 2013, she earned the International Reading Association (IRA) Jerry Johns Outstanding Teacher Educator in Reading Award. In 2010 she was recognized for her university level teaching with two awards, the Excellence in Teaching, SUNY Chancellor’s Award, and the Excellence in Teaching, University at Albany President’s Award.  In 2002, Cheryl received the Distinguished Dissertation Award from the University at Albany’s School of Education. In 1996, Cheryl received the New York State Reading Association’s Reading Educator Award.

Dr. Dozier’s professional development initiatives involve collaborating with school districts as they redesign and re-imagine literacy instructional practices. Two of the schools where Cheryl was a literacy coach received the New York State Exemplary Reading Award through the New York State Reading Association. Currently, Cheryl brings together C-TEN, a group of educators including superintendents, principals, teachers, teacher educators, School of Education leaders, community collaborators, and graduate students across multiple departments to explore initiatives, policies, issues, and partnerships with schools. Dr. Dozier has shared her research on responsive literacy coaching and teacher preparation at national and international conferences.