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Melissa Wicker, PhD, is a literacy educator, researcher, and teacher educator committed to equity-centered, affirming literacy instruction. She currently serves as Assistant Professor and Reading Specialist Program Coordinator at Tarleton State University, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses focused on structured literacy, assessment, intervention, and culturally responsive pedagogy. With over 15 years of experience across middle school classrooms, university programs, and professional development networks, Melissa supports educators in bridging research and classroom realities in ways that center student voice and identity.
Melissa’s work focuses on strengthening teacher preparation and professional development systems to ensure educators are equipped to implement inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and data-informed literacy practices. She has co-developed and facilitated professional learning for teachers, instructional coaches, and school leaders across the country and regularly presents on topics including equitable literacy ecosystems, affirming pedagogy for multilingual learners, and identity-driven literacy instruction. Her research explores how multimodal and digital literacies support self-expression and belonging among historically marginalized learners, including Native American youth and Afghan refugee women.