Biography
Earlisha J. Whitfield, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Reading at the University of Central Florida. Prior to her current role, she worked in higher education as an Adjunct Professor at Louisiana State University and an Assistant Professor of Reading at McNeese State University. She has worked with undergraduate and graduate students in literacy education and teacher preparation. Dr. Whitfield was also the Director of Call Me MiSTER, a program that promotes diversity in the field of education.
Before beginning her work in higher education, she was an educator of public schools in underserved communities as a teacher, literacy specialist, director of instruction, and school leader for 17 years. Dr. Whitfield passionately advocates improving education through collaboration with teachers, families, and community members to build strong schools that will enhance the quality of life for all students. She has written grants and partnered with ExxonMobil to secure technological learning resources for underserved students. Dr. Whitfield joined UCF in 2023.
- Engaging families and communities to promote literacy achievement in underserved public schools
- Access and equity of quality literacy programs and education
- Recruitment, preparation and retention of diverse educators in K-12 public schools
- Ph.D., Curriculum and Instruction– Louisiana State University, 2019
- M.A., Curriculum and Instruction – Louisiana State University, 2007
- B.S., Elementary Education – Louisiana State University, 2003