Sharon Walpole

Sharon Walpole, PhD, is a literacy scholar and professor emeritus in the School of Education at the University of Delaware, where she previously directed the Professional Development Center for Educators. She holds a PhD and MEd in Reading Education from the University of Virginia and a BA in history from the College of William and Mary. Her research and professional work focus on literacy coaching, professional learning for teachers, schoolwide reading reforms, and the design and implementation of tiered instructional programs and evidence-based curricula for students who struggle with reading.

Walpole is coauthor of multiple practitioner-focused books, including Differentiated Literacy Instruction in Grades 6–8: Strategies and Resources, as well as titles on differentiated reading instruction for the primary and upper elementary grades, literacy coaching, and organizing effective literacy classrooms. She is also the author of the open-access Bookworms K–5 Reading and Writing curriculum. Her contributions to literacy education have been recognized with several awards, including the Early Career Achievement Award from the National Reading Conference, the Excellence in Teaching Award from the University of Delaware, the Jerry Johns Outstanding Teacher Educator in Reading Award from the International Literacy Association, and the P. David Pearson Scholarly Influence Award from the Literacy