Academic Background
2009: EdD, Literacy and Language, Boston University
Dissertation title: Explanations provided by mothers to their pre-school aged children across contexts: Book reading, block play, TV watching, and mealtime
Advisor: Dr. Roselmina Indrisano
2002: M.Ed., Educational Media and Technology, Boston University
1998: M. Ed., Reading Education, Rutgers University
1990: B.S., Elementary & Kindergarten Education, Penn State University
Certifications
Elementary Educator, New Jersey and Pennsylvania
Reading Specialist, Massachusetts
Teaching Experience
College Level:
2015-present: Rider University, Faculty in the College of Education and Human Services
2009-2015: Rutgers University, Faculty in the Graduate School of Education
2000-2009: Boston University, Instructor, Adjunct and Graduate Assistant in the School of Education
K-12 Level:
1997-2000: 4th grade teacher, Watchung Public Schools
1993-1997: 1st grade teacher, Watchung Public Schools
1992-1993: 3rd grade teacher, Watchung Public Schools
1991-1992 Middle school social studies, Netcong Public Schools
1991: Kindergarten teacher, Netcong Public Schools
Courses Taught at Rider University
EDU 101: 1st Year/Transfer Education Seminar
ELD 307: Emergent Literacy (Preschool-3rd grade)
ELD 308: Fostering Language & Literacy (3rd-5th grades)
ECE 450: Developmental Methods and Assessment in Early Childhood Education
IND 210: Global Encounters: A Comparison of Education in the United States and Abroad
LITR 504: Diagnosis & Correction of Reading Abilities and Challenges: Seminar and Practicum
Additional Professional Experience
Consultant/Advisor: Learning A-Z: Foundations A-Z, Reading Program
Co-Curriculum Director: Between the Lions, WGBH Boston
Publications
Books
Cassano, C. M. & Dougherty, S. M., Eds. (2018) Pivotal research in early literacy: Foundational studies and current practices. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Robertson, D., Ford-Connors, E., & Dougherty, S. (2017) Engaging readers: Supporting all students in knowledge-driven reading, 4-8. Lahham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.
Selected Book Chapters
Morrow, L. M, & Dougherty, S. (2023). Best Practices in Early Literacy. In L. M. Morrow, E. Morrell, & H. K. Casey (Eds.). Best Practices in Literacy Instruction, 7th ed. New York, NY: Guilford Publications.
Robertson, D., Ford-Conners, E., & Dougherty, S. M. (2020). Reconceptualizing Literacy Instruction to Accelerate. In E. Ortlieb, S. Grote-Garcia, J. Cassidy, & E. H. Cheek. What’s Hot in Literacy?: Exemplar Models of Effective Practice. Bingley, United Kingdom: Emerald Publications.
Paratore, J. R., Steiner, L. M., & Dougherty, S. M. (2020). Developing effective home-school literacy partnerships. In A. Swan Dagen & R. M. Bean (Eds.). Best Practices of Literacy Leaders, 2nd edition. New York, NY: Guilford Publications.
Morrow, L. M, & Dougherty, S. (2019). Emergent Literacy. In L. M. Morrow & L. Gambrell (Eds.). Best Practices in Literacy Instruction, 6th ed. New York, NY: Guilford Publications.
Dougherty, S. & Kuhn, M. (2013). Word recognition and fluency. In N. Duke & B. Taylor (Eds.). Effective Literacy Instruction: A Handbook of Research and Practice. New York, NY: Guilford Publications.
Selected Articles
Dougherty, S., Ford-Connors, E., & Robertson, D. (2018). Supporting upper elementary and middle grade students as they read challenging texts. NJLA Newsletter, Spring 2018.
Morrow, L. M., Dougherty, S., Kuhn, K. & Hall, M. (2017). Rutgers reading club: An after school program to motivate and enhance literacy for struggling readers. The Michigan Reader, 49(3), 49-52.
Dougherty, S. & Anderson, S. (2017) Getting ready for the Next Generation Science Standards: Recommended informational texts for grades K-3. NJEA Review. 24-28.
Hindin, A., Steiner, L. M., & Dougherty, S. (2017). Building our capacity to form successful home-school partnerships: Programs that support and honor the contributions of families. Childhood Education, 93(1), 10-19.
Robertson, D., Ford-Connors, E., Dougherty, S., & Paratore, J. R. (2015). Teaching that connects: The importance of coherence in accelerating students’ achievement. Oklahoma Reader, 51(2), 6-11.
Ford-Connors, E., Dougherty, S., Robertson, D., & Paratore, J. R. (2015). Mediating complex texts in the upper grades: Considering motivation, instructional intensity, and cognitive challenge. Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, 58(8), 650-659.
Robertson, D., Dougherty, S., Ford-Connors, E., & Paratore, J. R. (2014). Re-envisioning Instruction: Mediating Complex Text for Older Readers. The Reading Teacher 67(7), 547-559.
Selected Presentations
Dougherty, S. (2022, March). Picture books and science learning in grades k-3. Presentation & workshop at the New Jersey Future Educators of America High School Conference, Lawrenceville, NJ.
Dougherty, S. & Anderson, S. (2021, November). Literacy and science inquiry:
Informational texts and the Next Generation Science Standards. Presentation at the NJEA Annual Convention, Atlantic City, NJ.
Dougherty, S. (2020, November). Seeing me, seeing you in early chapter books. A presentation given as part of the Equity and Diversity Through a Virtual Lens Workshop, sponsored by GOMO & the New Jersey Literacy Association.
Dougherty, S. (2020, October). Playing and fluency: How children and their grownups can play to build early literacy skills. Breakout session workshop for the Primary Pathway of ILA Next, a virtual professional development conference of the International Literacy Association.
Dougherty, S, (2019, October). Alternatives to reading logs: Authentic family engagement. A presentation given as part of the Early Literacy Institute at the International Literacy Association’s National Conference, New Orleans, LA.
Dougherty, S. (2019, May). Supporting All Readers. A roundtable presentation at the Rider University Literacy Symposium, Lawrenceville, NJ.
Dougherty, S. (2018, October). When reading is hard: Supporting reading for learning. Presentation at a Rider University National Writing Project continuity meeting.
Anderson, S. & Dougherty, S. (2018, October). Amazing informational texts and the Next Generation Science Standards. Workshop presented at the New Jersey Science Convention, Princeton, NJ.
Dougherty, S. (2017, July). Building a family literacy program: Tips and tools. A roundtable presentation given as part of the Early Literacy Institute at the International Literacy Association’s National Conference, Austin, TX.
Dougherty, S. & Anderson, S. (2016, November). Building enthusiasm for teaching with informational texts in grades K-2. Presentation at the NJEA Annual Convention, Atlantic City, NJ.
Dougherty, S. (2015, December) A survey of parent involvement initiatives for literacy in elementary schools. A presentation given as part of the roundtable titled Parent Voices and Teacher Practices: Understanding Parent Involvement in Children’s Literacy Learning at the Literacy Research Association’s Annual Conference, Carlsbad, California.
Dougherty, S. & Anderson. S. (2015, October) Building enthusiasm for teaching with informational texts in grades K-2. Presentation at the 48th Annual Rutgers Conference on Reading and Writing, New Brunswick, NJ
Dougherty, S. (2015, October). "Dads" Read: Recognizing and encouraging male engagement in the literacy development of young children. Presentation at the 48th Annual Rutgers Conference on Reading and Writing, New Brunswick, NJ
Dougherty, S. (2015, July) Working with families: Recognizing and supporting literacy learning at home. A presentation given as part of the Early Literacy Institute at the International Literacy Association’s National Conference, St. Louis, MO.
Dougherty, S. (2014, December) Parent-child shared reading: Narrative and Expository Text. A presentation given as part of the symposium titled Fostering Productive Relationships with Families: Working with Teachers and Families Across Text Types and Modalities at the Literacy Research Association’s Annual Conference, San Marco Island, FL.
Dougherty, S., Steiner, L, Carley-Rizzuto, K. (2014, May). Working with families: Recognizing and supporting literacy learning at home. Presentation at the International Literacy Association National Convention, Early Literacy Institute, New Orleans, LA.
Dougherty, S., Robertson, D., & Ford-Connors, E. (2014, May). Upping the Ante: Mediating Grade Level and Disciplinary Text for Upper Elementary and Middle Grade Struggling Readers. A presentation at the International Reading Association National Convention, New Orleans, LA.
Dougherty, S., & Kuhn, M. R. (2013). Nuts & bolts: Strategies for helping children in grades 1-3 acquire word reading and fluency skills. Presentation at the International Reading Association, Early Literacy Institute, San Antonio, TX.
Professional Organizations/Affiliations
- International Literacy Association, member
- Literacy Research Association, member
- National Association for the Education of Young Children, member
- New Jersey Literacy Association, Member of the Board of Directors & current secretary