Gena Lewis is a professor of language and literacy whose teaching and research focus on evidence based practices in literacy and biliteracy education. She is committed to helping educators strengthen instruction and improve outcomes for students in diverse school communities. Her work is grounded in the belief that effective literacy education requires curiosity, adaptability and an ongoing commitment to learning, research and innovation.

Degrees

  • EdD, Literacy and Language - National Louis University, NLU; Chicago, IL 
  • Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction - National Louis University, NLU; Chicago, IL 
  • Master's Degree in Reading Specialist - National Louis University, NLU; Chicago, IL 

Prior Professional and Academic Positions

  • Benedictine University 2014 to 2019
  • Reading specialist and Lead Reading Teacher - West Chicago SD 33
  • Principal Reading Consultant, ISBE
  • Teacher, Diamond Lake SD 76

Areas of Research/Expertise

  • Biliteracy
  • Curriculum and Instruction in Language and Literacy
  • Technology in the literacy classroom
  • Formative Assessment
  • Language Programs 
  • Instruction for Multi-linguals

Publications:

  • Lewis, G., Liace, K. & Braun, P. (2019). All hands on deck in curriculum and instruction. World Journal of Education. SciEdu Press. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1233108.pdf

  • Lewis, G. & Liace, K. (2018) Taxonomy and technology in today's interactive classroom. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning. DonEl Learning. (15). https://www.itdl.org/Journal/Apr_18/AMJ18.pdf

  • Lewis, G. D., (2015). The Effects of Bilingual Spanish Language Response to Intervention Processes in Comparison to an English Response to Intervention Process on English and Spanish Literacy in Grades K-6. Pro-Quest.

Presentations:

  • Lewis, G. & Liace, K. (November 2, 2019) Taxonomy and Technology in Today's Classroom, [Conference Session] ACCA. Associated Colleges of Chicago Area. Pedagogy Symposium, North Central College, Naperville, IL

  • Lewis, G. & Liace, K.(November 3, 2018). Taxonomy and Technology in Today's Classroom, [Conference Session] ACCA. Associated Colleges of Chicago Area. Pedagogy Symposium, University of St Francis, Joliet, IL

  • Lewis, G., Liace, K. & Braun, P. (October, 2018). Misguided Standards Based Instruction - The Chaos of Standards Based Instruction and Assessment. [Conference Session] Illinois Reading Council Conference, Peoria, IL.