Center for Literacy

Bridging Research and Practice to Transform Literacy Instruction

The Center for Literacy in the Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay State University connects evidence-based research with classroom practice to advance literacy instruction across schools and communities in Middle Tennessee.

It serves as a hub for K-12 educators, teacher candidates, and researchers committed to improving student literacy.

Read Our Mission Statement

To advance evidence-based literacy instruction by preparing effective educators, partnering with schools and communities, and supporting rigorous research that improves outcomes for all learners.

Our Three Pillars

Strengthen Teacher Preparation

We inform the practice of PreK-12 teacher candidates on the use of evidence-based reading strategies across the curriculum. This includes providing feedback to APSU's preservice literacy curriculum and analyzing internal data on course effectiveness.

Partner with Schools and Communities

We collaborate with schools, community organizations, and other partners to support literacy development from birth through 12th grade, through professional development and direct partnerships.

Advance Literacy Research

We invest in the scholarly work of current teachers, undergraduates, graduate students, staff, and faculty. This includes building assessment resources, pursuing external research grants, and creating structured research experiences.

Get Involved

K-12 Educators: Learn more about our Fellows Program or reach out for Professional Development.
APSU Students: Explore Research and Fellowship Opportunities.
Community Partners: Learn about our Partnership Opportunities.

Meet the Director

Dr. Zack Barnes

Dr. Zack Barnes serves as the director of the Center for Literacy at Austin Peay State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Literacy Studies from Middle Tennessee State University. Before joining APSU, he was a middle school special education teacher in Metro Nashville Public Schools, an experience that continues to shape his commitment to supporting struggling readers and including students with disabilities in the general education classroom.

His research focuses broadly on reading development. Current projects include examining the association between executive function and reading achievement using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (ECLS-K:2011), with particular attention to how working memory and cognitive flexibility mediate the relationship between kindergarten socioeconomic status and later reading outcomes. He also writes on the Science of Reading, state dyslexia laws, and translating reading screening research for practitioners. Additional work explores how science teachers are prepared to implement reading strategies for students with disabilities.

Barnes has contributed expert commentary on literacy and special education to national and regional outlets including Newsweek, HuffPost, and the Nashville Scene.

Upcoming Events

We are working hard to plan events for our students, local teachers, and the community! Stay tuned for more information.

Upcoming Projects & Initiatives

Learn more about some of the exciting projects we are launching:

Using Historical Fiction Novels to Engage Readers This Student Academic Success Initiative grant project will incorporate historical fiction novels in various Eriksson College of Education courses. Author(s) will then be invited for a lecture with these students in order to reinforce the learning experience.