Dr. Lazich Caesar leads master's and doctoral courses in reading education. She works closely with teachers and leaders seeking to deepen their expertise in curriculum, instruction and assessment of reading. The knowledge and perspectives of teachers are at the center of her research, as she seeks to support practicing teachers through professional development and literacy coaching. Dr. Lazich Caesar is committed to the preparation of reading professionals and development of reading teachers.

Degrees

  • PhD - DePaul University; Chicago, IL
  • MEd - DePaul University; Chicago, IL
  • BS - Northern Illinois University; DeKalb, IL

Academic and Professional Highlights

  • Doctoral Commencement Speaker - Concordia University Chicago, May 2022

Invited Panels

  • Ahead of the Curve - Job Searching Tips for College of Education Students, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, 2015.
  • Beyond Structure – Understanding Best Practices in Classroom Management, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, 2015.

Publications:

  • Lazich-Caesar, S. (2024) An Examination of Teachers: Disciplinary Knowledge of Early Literacy Instruction. Association of Literacy Educators & Researchers Yearbook, 45(1), 169-197.

  • Lazich-Caesar S. (2024) Literacy for All: An Overview of the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan. Voices for Educational Equity, 20(2),

  • Lazich-Caesar (2024) Sound Foundations: Using Music to Build Early Literacy Skills. Christian Educators Journal, 64(1)

  • Lazich, S. & Hendricks, D. (2019) Going for the Gold: CLEF Medallion Program. Lutheran Education Journal. 155(3), 46-52.

  • Lazich, S. (2018). Empowering Community Partners. Lutheran Education Journal. 80, 90-91. 

Presentations:

  • Lazich-Caesar, S. (2024, November 7-9,). Literacy Leadership: Shaping & Strengthening Teacher Preparations Programs in Scientifically Based Reading Research [Roundtable Session]. Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER), Orlando, FL.

  • Lazich-Caesar, S. (2024, November 7-9,). The Science of Reading: Navigating Teachers? Understandings, Perspectives, and Emotions [Conference Session]. Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER), Orlando, FL.

  • Lazich-Caesar, S. (2024, June 17-19). From Sounds to Words: Principles of Explicit and Systematic Phonemic Awareness & Phonics Instruction [Conference Session]. National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), New Orleans, LA.

  • Lazich-Caesar, S. (2023, November 9-11). An Examination of Teachers: Disciplinary Knowledge of Early Literacy Instruction

  • Lazich S. (2021, November 4-7). Phonological Awareness: Examining and Deepening Teachers? Perceptions, Knowledge and Skills through a School Network-University Partnership [Conference Session]. Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER), Hilton Head, SC.

  • Lazich S. (2021, November 4-7). Supporting Teacher Growth through Instructional Coaching and Personalized Professional Learning [Conference Session]. Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER), Hilton Head, SC.

  • Lazich S. (2019, November 7 -10). Phonemic Awareness: Examining and Deepening Teachers? Perceptions, Knowledge and Skills through a School Network-University Partnership [Conference Session]. Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER), Corpus Christi, TX.

  • Lazich S. (2019, November 7 -10). Navigating the Path of Instructional Coaching: A Framework for Supporting Literacy Growth Through a School Network and University Partnership [Conference Session]. Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER), Corpus Christi, TX.

  • Lazich-Caesar, S. (2025, March 13) Timeless Building Literacy Foundations: Content Knowledge and Instruction for Phonemic Awareness and Phonics Instruction. [Conference Session]. Illinois Reading Council, Springfield, IL.

  • Lazich-Caesar, S. (2024, June 7) Navigating the Pathways to Literacy Excellence: An Overview of the "New" Comprehensive Literacy Plan. [Conference Session]. Center for Success Annual Conference, Oak Brook, IL.