Alumna Angela Preston named director of the Mebane Early Literacy Center
Angela Preston ’16 Ph.D. ’11 M.Ed. is director of the Mebane Early Literacy Center in the Cato College of Education. A noted consultant, she began her career as a special educator in the North Carolina public school system.
Preston progressed from teaching explicit, systematic literacy instruction to students with disabilities to assisting with the transition of instructional literacy practices to align with the science of reading in districts, schools, classrooms, preschools and community-based programs.
“What I find most encouraging about early literacy research (often referred to as the science of reading), is that better literacy outcomes for all students are achievable,” Preston said. “Improving literacy proficiency is not a problem without a solution. Faculty in the Cato College of Education are already working to address gaps in early literacy through their innovative teacher preparation programs and coursework aligned to the science of reading.”
At the Office of Early Learning at North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Preston was an early literacy consultant, supporting districts in implementing instructional practices aligned with the science of reading and training North Carolina teachers in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling.
Malcolm Butler, dean of the Cato College, stated, “Dr. Preston’s dedication to advancing literacy education and supporting diverse student populations embodies the spirit of excellence we strive for in our Cato College of Education. In addition to her literacy education experiences, Dr. Preston’s passion for teaching and deep expertise in special education make her a valuable asset in fulfilling the Cato College of Education’s commitment to leading in the field of early childhood literacy.”