Marywood University Hosts Regional Literacy Roundtable

SCRANTON, PA (September 17, 2025) — Marywood University’s School of Education, under the leadership of Chair and Associate Professor Dr. Suzanne Galella and Assistant Professor Dr. Sandra Pesavento, hosted the Lackawanna County Higher Education Literacy Roundtable at the McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies.

The event convened state legislators, county commissioners, school district leaders, and higher education faculty to engage in a dynamic discussion on evidence-based reading instruction and the preparation of future educators.

Featured guests included State Senator Marty Flynn; State Representatives Kyle Donahue, Bridget Kosierowski, Jim Haddock, and Kyle J. Mullins; Lackawanna County Commissioners Bill Gaughan and Chris Chermak; Scranton School District Superintendent Dr. Erin Keating; and Reading Specialist Kimberly Tesluk of the Scranton School District. Also in attendance were faculty from Marywood University, the University of Scranton, and Misericordia University. Misericordia was recently recognized with a “B” rating by the National Council on Teacher Quality for its commitment to research-based literacy instruction.

Participants explored how teacher preparation programs across northeastern Pennsylvania align with the science of reading and shared strategies to strengthen literacy outcomes statewide. The roundtable also provided a platform for district leaders, faculty, and community members to engage directly with elected officials and policymakers shaping the future of education in Pennsylvania.

Through the leadership of Dr. Galella and Dr. Pesavento, Marywood University highlighted its ongoing commitment to collaboration, advocacy, and preparing future educators to deliver high-quality, research-based literacy instruction.