Alison Black

I am a retired professor from the State University of New York at Oneonta where I taught literacy courses at the graduate and undergraduate level. I was a K-12 teacher, media specialist and storyteller before moving into higher education. My interests in children's literature and storytelling and my work with children of all ages led naturally to readers' theater and the use of simulations.

I firmly believe that reading is the key to a child's success in both school and society. Readers' theater is a method proven to promote reading fluency and comprehension. It also motivates students to read by providing hands-on experience in the classroom. The use of simulations also provides a motivational forum for reading. What is so great about simulations is the content integration and the action - both of which lead to greater understanding.

SUNY Oneonta Sustained Excellence Award (2003) SUNY Oneonta Panhellenic Association Recognition for teaching. (2000, 2008) SEVA Award (Compassionate Service Award, 2009)

I received my Bachelors at Douglas College, Rutgers University, my Masters at the University of Washington in Seattle, and my Doctorate at Syracuse University.

I have published two books: A Comprehensive Guide to Readers Theatre: Enhancing Fluency and Comprehension in Middle School and Beyond (2007), published by the International Reading Association Writing Is Like Real Talk! Coaching Conversations for Preschool to Grade Six Writing (2014), published by Pearson