Graduate students who apply to the special education doctoral program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville can elect to pursue a concentration in literacy under the advisement of faculty at the Tennessee Reading Research Center (TRRC). If accepted, the student then will be eligible to join the TRRC team and gain real-world experience on literacy research projects to complement their coursework.
Benefits of Being a Graduate Student at the Tennessee Reading Research Center
- Receive faculty mentoring from TRRC Director Dr. Deborah K. Reed or other faculty associated with the TRRC
- Gain experience developing literacy content and conducting research that applies different methods such as meta-analysis, experimental and quasi-experimental designs, correlation studies, and measurement validation
- Receive tuition and stipend support
We love to see our graduate student assistants achieve success during their time working with us. Our faculty mentors will encourage and challenge you to do your best and help you pursue academic and professional achievements.
From TRRC Director and Professor in Theory and Practice in Teacher Education, Dr. Deborah K. Reed
“As an educator, it is important to me to mentor the next generation of scholars. Motivated and dedicated graduate students will find many opportunities to hone their literacy research skills by working alongside our team as we make a difference for students learning to read and write. Our team works on developing innovative interventions, evaluating current instructional and assessment practices, and understanding what contributes to students’ literacy development. If you enjoy a fast-paced environment and different research designs, I encourage you to consider applying to continue your education or further your experience here.“
Ph.D. in Special Education with a concentration in literacy
Students study at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences in Special Education and work at the TRRC:
Possible Responsibilities:
- Assist with designing intervention study materials
- Support the implementation of studies in school sites
- Review existing literature
- Assist with compiling, analyzing, and interpreting complex datasets
- Learn about research methodology
- Collaborate with different teams at the TRRC
Applications to the Ph.D. in Special Education program for fall semester are due February 1 for domestic students and international students. Further information on application deadlines can be found by contacting graduate admissions.
Are You a Prospective Graduate Student?
Consider joining the Tennessee Reading Research Center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville for your doctoral work.
We are happy to discuss how your qualifications and skills may be a fit on our team.