About Dr. Kristin Webber

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Dr. Kristin Webber is a Professor of Education at PennWest University and founder of The Literacy Prof, where she collaborates with educators, schools, and teacher preparation programs to effectively bridge the gap between literacy research and classroom practice. With over 30 years of experience in education, she is nationally recognized for her expertise in the Science of Reading, structured literacy, literacy assessment, and teacher preparation.

Before entering higher education, Dr. Webber dedicated 18 years to teaching in elementary classrooms, where she cultivated a passion for ensuring all students become confident and successful readers. Since joining PennWest University in 2012, she has prepared hundreds of future educators through innovative undergraduate and graduate programs in literacy, reading instruction, assessment, and structured literacy.

Dr. Webber holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Literacy Education from The University of Akron. She is a certified Reading Specialist, a Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher (SLCT) through the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI), and a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner (W.D.P.). Her work emphasizes translating evidence-based literacy research into practical instructional strategies that enhance reading outcomes for all learners.

She has led PennWest University's esteemed Structured Literacy initiatives, contributing to the university earning International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Accreditation for both its undergraduate and graduate reading programs, including Pennsylvania's only public university graduate program to achieve IDA Accreditation Plus. Dr. Webber has also played a pivotal role in curriculum development, accreditation, literacy coaching, and educator professional learning.

In 2026, Dr. Webber joined the Board of Directors for Teach My Kid to Read (TMKTR), a nonprofit organization focused on closing the literacy gap by partnering with libraries, schools, families, and communities to ensure every child accesses high-quality reading instruction and literacy resources. Through this role, she champions the organization's mission to expand literacy opportunities and empower families and educators in helping all children become successful readers.

In addition to her teaching and consulting work, Dr. Webber frequently presents at state and national conferences on topics such as structured literacy, assessment-informed instruction, the Science of Reading, teacher preparation, dyslexia, and effective literacy intervention. Her passion lies in empowering educators with actionable, research-based strategies that create a lasting impact on students.

Whether collaborating with classroom teachers, literacy coaches, school leaders, or university faculty, Dr. Webber's mission remains clear: to assist educators in building stronger readers through evidence-based literacy instruction.

What Sets This Work Apart

Clear connection between literacy research and classroom reading instruction application  

Strong emphasis on assessment-driven instruction  

Deep understanding of reading development and diverse learners  

Practical tools educators can use immediately, grounded in structured literacy principles.

Who This Is For

Classroom teachers (K–12)  

Reading specialists and interventionists  

Instructional coaches and administrators  

Teacher educators and preservice programs  

School districts and educational organizations

Core Beliefs

All students can learn to read with the right reading instruction  

Assessment should guide—not overwhelm—teaching  

Structured literacy benefits all learners, especially those who struggle  

Teachers need tools that are both evidence-based and usable.

Why Work With Dr. Webber?  

30+ Years in Education  

18 Years as an Elementary Classroom Teacher  

Professor of Education at PennWest University  

Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner (W.D.P.)  

Certified Reading Specialist & Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher (SLCT)  

Leader of PennWest's Nationally Recognized IDA-Accredited Literacy Programs  

Board Member, Teach My Kid to Read  

National Presenter on the Science of Reading & Structured Literacy.