About the TRRC

March 2025 Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) visit, alongside Riley the Raccoon. Pictured are members of staff, representatives of the TDOE, and Riley.

The Tennessee Reading Research Center (TRRC) began in 2022 as a collaboration between the University of Tennessee System and the Tennessee Department of Education.

Deans and Designee members at the TRRC posing in front of a university building

People

People

The Tennessee Reading Research Center collaborates with many people, so we are unable to list everyone. The individuals found on our People page are those directly funded by our state and federal projects.

Drs. Reed, Bell, and Bazis at the IDA Conference

Expertise

Expertise

The faculty, staff, and collaborators of the Tennessee Reading Research Center offer a variety of expertise for supporting stakeholders in literacy content, research and evaluation, and implementation science.

Students reading and studying together

Students

Students

We are always looking for motivated students to join our team and help improve literacy instructional and assessment practices. See if there are available roles and consider contributing your talents to the Tennessee Reading Research Center.

Advisory Board

Advisory board member, Stephanie Boshears

Stephanie Boshears

Oneida Elementary School, Grade 3, Milken Educator Award recipient

Advisory board member, Tessa Gonce

Tessa Gonce

Impact and Education Manager, United Way of Greater Kingsport

Advisory board member, Angie McNichols

Angie McNichols

Lower School Dean, Christ Classical Academy

Advisory board member, Wiley Richards

Wiley Richards

W&T Contracting Corp., Memphis

Advisory board member, Stephen Santellan

Stephen Santellan

TFA Director, Nashville

Advisory board member, Dr. Yvette Stewart

Yvette Stewart, Ed.D

Director of Literacy, UTC, Chattanooga

Advisory board member, Mike Taylor

 Mike Taylor

Interim CEO, National Association of Education Foundations and Executive Director, Oak Ridge Public Schools Foundation

Mission

To help all individuals acquire the means for full participation in society by developing, evaluating, and disseminating effective literacy instructional and assessment practices.

Vision Statement

To be a leading producer of respected literacy research and a trusted source of effective literacy practices.

Core Values

  • Provide the highest quality information and resources available
  • Value and support others in achieving common goals
  • Act with integrity in carrying out all work
  • Hold personal accountability for actions and results
  • Build trust by focusing on what is best for clients and honoring commitments to them
  • Seek solutions for local community, state, and national stakeholders