• I am nominating myself to serve as chair of GALA. Since fall 2022, I have served as acting vice chair, working closely with acting chair Dr. Beth Scullin to revive and promote the organization after a period of inactivity. Together, we have rebuilt membership engagement, expanded programming, and strengthened GALA’s presence within the Georgia literacy community.

  In addition, I serve as co-editor of the Georgia Journal of Literacy, GALA's peer-reviewed journal, which has deepened my understanding of the diverse voices and perspectives shaping literacy education in our state. My experiences as a faculty member, program coordinator, and journal editor have honed my skills in collaboration, strategic planning, and advocacy for equitable literacy opportunities.

  As chair, I would bring consistency, vision, and a commitment to building on our recent momentum. I aim to grow partnerships with educators and institutions across Georgia, support professional learning opportunities for members, and elevate GALA’s role as a leader in literacy advocacy. My goal is to ensure that GALA continues to be a vibrant, inclusive organization that amplifies the work of literacy educators and positively impacts the communities we serve.

• Dr. Robert A. Griffin is an associate professor in the Department of Early Childhood through Secondary Education at the University of West Georgia, where he teaches courses in Literacy/Reading Education and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Before transitioning into higher education full-time, he served as a secondary English Language Arts (ELA) and English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher for 13 years in rural south and urban north Georgia public schools. Dr. Griffin's primary research interests involve exploring reading motivation and achievement for multilingual learners, striving readers, and at-promise student groups and challenging deficit-oriented paradigms related to the skills and talents of diverse learners. In addition to serving as co-editor of the Georgia Journal of Literacy (and former senior co-editor of GATESOL Journal), Dr. Griffin serves on editorial review boards for several journals in the fields of literacy education and TESOL. Dr. Griffin has published over 50 articles on topics ranging from quantitative analyses of reading motivation among adolescent native Spanish speakers to pedagogical pieces on authentic writing instruction and morphological awareness for culturally and linguistically diverse students. His work has appeared in journals such as Reading Psychology, the Journal of Latinos and Education, and the Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy.
  

• My membership with GALA began two years ago while I was obtaining my Master's in Reading Instruction at the University of West Georgia. GALA broadened my outlook on the literacy needs and opportunities for both professionals and students, as well as how literacy leaders can better collaborate across the state. My future professional goals remain focused on the literacy development and equity of every Georgia student. I am seeking to serve as GALA's next secretary because this opportunity will align with my goals while allowing me to contribute to the endless work of literacy across our state.

• I began my teaching career as a fourth and fifth-grade looping reading teacher in 2014. I eagerly seized the opportunity to become my school's reading specialist when the position opened four years ago in response to students' literacy needs after COVID. Currently, my role has transformed into a K-2 Literacy Coach. This allows me to serve the teachers and students more attentively as we all navigate the new Literacy Act and Dyslexia Law requirements. (Currently a K-2 Literacy Coach in the Bartow County School System)

• I am pleased to submit my nomination for Vice-Chair of the Georgia Association of Literacy Advocates (GALA). As an Assistant Professor of Literacy Education at Mercer University and current Professional Development Chair of GALA, I bring both classroom experience and organizational leadership to this role. My career began as a high school English teacher, and that foundation continues to shape my commitment to supporting literacy teaching and learning across Georgia.

  During my time as Professional Development Chair, I have coordinated GALA’s Literacy Learning Series, hosting local, regional, and nationally-recognized speakers and creating accessible, high-quality professional development for educators statewide. These sessions have fostered a stronger sense of community among literacy advocates. Through this work, I have seen firsthand the impact GALA can have in connecting educators, amplifying teacher voices, and advocating for effective literacy practices.

  As Vice-Chair, I would work collaboratively with the Chair, Past Chair, and Committee Chairs to strengthen GALA’s presence across the state. My goals include building on the success of the Literacy Learning Series, expanding membership and outreach, and supporting initiatives that highlight the diverse and innovative work of Georgia’s literacy educators. I am especially interested in broadening partnerships between schools, universities, and community organizations to ensure GALA continues to serve as a hub for literacy advocacy and professional growth.

  I would be honored to continue serving GALA in this new capacity, working alongside colleagues to advance our shared mission of promoting literacy and supporting educators across Georgia.

• Dr. Matthew Sroka is an Assistant Professor of Literacy Education at Mercer University and currently serves as GALA’s Professional Development Chair. A former high school English teacher, his teaching and research explore the reading lives of teachers and students, with a focus on how text selection shapes classroom practice and the importance of having positive experiences with texts.

• I am writing to express my interest in continuing to serve as Treasurer for the Georgia Association of Literacy Advocates (GALA). Over the past year and a half in this role, I have enjoyed supporting GALA’s mission to advance literacy advocacy across the state through careful stewardship of our financial resources.

  In this position, I have maintained accurate financial records, supported budget planning, and collaborated with the leadership team to ensure that GALA’s funds are used strategically to maximize impact. I take pride in providing clear, timely, and transparent financial reports to the board and membership, which helps guide decision-making and strengthen trust in our organization.

• Dr. Jennifer K. Allen began her career in higher education in 2016 at the University of West Georgia where she is now an Associate Professor in the Department of Elementary through Secondary Education and Reading. Jennifer earned her PhD in Language and Literacy Education at the University of Georgia (2016). Prior to earning her PhD, Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from UGA (2003) and a Master's Degree in Reading Instruction from UWG (2010).

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