Lesley Mandel Morrow, PhD, is Professor of Literacy at Rutgers University’s Graduate School of Education, where she is Chair of the Department of Learning and Teaching. She began her career as a classroom teacher, became a reading specialist, and received her PhD from Fordham University. She has done extensive research in the areas of early literacy development and the organization and management of language arts programs, which involves working with children and families from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Morrow has authored or edited more than 250 publications. She received the Excellence in Research, Teaching, and Service Award from Rutgers University, the International Reading Association’s Outstanding Teacher Educator in Reading Award, and Fordham University’s Alumni Award for Outstanding Achievement. In addition, Dr. Morrow has received numerous grants for research from the federal government and has served as a principal research investigator for the Center for English Language Arts, the National Reading Research Center, the Center for Early Reading Achievement, and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Lab. She was an elected member of the Board of Directors of the International Reading Association, and served as President of that organization from 2003 to 2004. Dr. Morrow was elected to the Reading Hall of Fame in 2006.