Joanna Newton

Joanna Newton

Joanna Newton, PhD, is a professor of education at Notre Dame of Maryland University, where she specializes in literacy instruction. She has 19 years of experience supporting literacy teaching and learning in public schools. She has served as an elementary classroom teacher, school-based reading coach, and reading intervention specialist. She has also worked at the district level as a county-wide literacy coach, professional development facilitator, and curriculum developer for K–6 literacy instruction.

Dr. Newton specializes in literacy teaching and learning, with an emphasis on word study, vocabulary instruction, and oral language development for diverse learners. She has provided professional coaching and development for teachers and administrators on a wide range of literacy practices, including supporting readers who struggle, bolstering reading engagement, and deepening student understanding of academic vocabulary. Her professional development experience ranges from providing individual coaching to supporting collaborative teams and delivering district-level professional development workshops.

Dr. Newton has authored and coauthored several articles about supporting reading comprehension, vocabulary instruction, and professional development models that promote sustained instructional change in literacy teaching and learning.

She earned a master’s degree in curriculum instruction, a postgraduate literacy specialist endorsement, and a doctorate in education with a focus on literacy from George Mason University.

Presentations by Joanna Newton

• Building a Foundation for Our Readers: A Three-Part Series
• Part 1: Oral Language and Listening Comprehension
• Part 2: Phonological Awareness
• Part 3: Phonics
• Vocabulary Instruction with Greek and Latin Roots, Grades 3–6
• Building Students’ Vocabulary Knowledge, Grades K–2
• Better Book Clubs
• Supporting Responsive Teachers: Planning and Facilitating Literacy Collaborative Team Meetings
• Oral Language Development for English Learners
• Supporting Collaborative Student Talk