Your browser does not support JavaScript! You would need it turned on to utilize the full functionality of the site. You can turn it on in your browser's preference or otherwise some of the functionalities of the site will not service properly.

Susan Stires

Supervised Fieldwork Advisor, Course Instructor

Reading and Literacy Program, General Teacher Education Department

Academic Interests

Children’s literature Integrated curriculum Language acquisition in all forms Reading and the understanding of text as a cognitive, social, literary, cultural and critical act Teacher research Writing and the teaching of writing

Recent Courses Taught

Some of the Values that Shape My Work

In education, I value people over programs and believe that the development of students is the focus of my work. Further, I believe that relationships are at the core of teaching and learning, and it is necessary to enter into relationships and build trust and respect in order for full learning to take place. In turn, I believe that it is possible that if I treat my students in this way, they will enter into deep relationships with their students and their families. Another one of my core beliefs is that teaching itself is inquiry. It is essential to question one’s practice and learn from an investigation of the questions that emerge. If a teacher engages in research, and learns from his or her own practice, I believe that that action becomes generative. When there is a problem to solve or “a wondering to pursue”  (Glenda Bissex) one investigates.

Work with Families, Children, Schools, and Communities

I was an elementary teacher for thirty years in communities representing a range of populations from urban immigrant to rural poor to mainstream middle class. I helped to found an elementary school based on of reading and writing processes and integrated curriculum prior to leaving to work on my doctorate.

Selected Professional Development Work

Since 1983 I have been a part time literacy consultant to schools, nationally and internationally. I also worked as a literacy staff developer in New York City schools for 12 years.

Educational Background

  • Ed.D., Teachers College, Columbia University
  • M.Ed., Boston University
  • B.S., West Chester State University

Contact me:

(212) 875-4542 sstires@bankstreet.edu
610 W 112Th St # 652B
New York, NY 10025-1898