This Is Balanced Literacy, Grades K-6 (Corwin Literacy)

Nancy Frey is a professor of literacy in the School of Teacher Education at San Diego State University. Through the university’s teacher-credentialing and reading specialist programs, she teaches courses on elementary and secondary reading instruction and literacy in content areas, classroom management, and supporting students with diverse learning needs.

Frey also teaches classes at Health Sciences High and Middle College in San Diego. She is a board member of the California Reading Association and a credentialed special educator and reading specialist in California.

Before joining the university faculty, Frey was a public school teacher in Florida. She worked at the state level for the Florida Inclusion Network helping districts design systems for supporting students with disabilities in general education classrooms.

She is the recipient of the 2008 Early Career Achievement Award from the National Reading Conference and the Christa McAuliffe Award for excellence in teacher education from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. She was co-recipient of the Farmer Award for excellence in writing from the National Council of Teachers of English for the article "Using Graphic Novels, Anime, and the Internet in an Urban High School". She is a member of the International Literacy Association’s Literacy Research Panel and is a popular speaker at national literacy conferences where she leads professional development workshops.

Nancy Akhavan is a dedicated educator and accomplished author whose passion for literacy and student achievement has shaped her distinguished career in education. With extensive experience in classroom teaching and educational leadership, she has devoted herself to developing innovative approaches that help students become confident, skilled readers and writers. Her deep understanding of the challenges educators face in today's diverse classrooms drives her commitment to creating practical, research-based resources that make a meaningful difference in student outcomes.

Throughout her career, Akhavan has been recognized for her ability to translate complex educational theory into accessible, actionable strategies that teachers can implement immediately. Her work focuses particularly on supporting struggling readers and English language learners, reflecting her belief that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed academically. She has presented at numerous educational conferences and has worked closely with school districts to improve literacy instruction and student engagement.

As an author with QEP Books, Akhavan brings her wealth of classroom experience and educational expertise to create resources that empower both teachers and students. Her writing reflects her core philosophy that effective education combines rigorous academic standards with compassionate, student-centered approaches. She continues to be an advocate for equity in education and remains committed to helping educators build the skills and confidence needed to reach every learner.