Rita M Bean, PhD

Rita M. Bean, PhD, is Professor Emerita in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh, where she served as Director of the Reading Center for 25 years. Prior to joining the university, she taught at the elementary school level and also served as a reading supervisor for grades K-12. Dr. Bean has developed elementary and middle school reading curriculum materials and has published in many different journals and monographs on the topics of reading curriculum; assessment and...See more

Rita M. Bean, PhD, is Professor Emerita in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh, where she served as Director of the Reading Center for 25 years. Prior to joining the university, she taught at the elementary school level and also served as a reading supervisor for grades K-12. Dr. Bean has developed elementary and middle school reading curriculum materials and has published in many different journals and monographs on the topics of reading curriculum; assessment and instruction in reading; professional development; and the role of reading specialists and literacy coaches (K-12). She is a member of the Reading Hall of Fame and a former board member of the International Reading Association (IRA; International Literacy Association), and served as Chair of the IRA's Commission on the Role of the Reading Specialist. Dr. Bean received the University of Pittsburgh's Chancellor's Distinguished Teaching Award and the University's Distinguished Service Award for her community and outreach efforts in improving literacy. See less