Dr. Kathleen F. McGrath

Biography

Dr. Kathleen F. McGrath is an Associate Professor in Niagara University’s College of Education, Department of Professional Studies, where she teaches graduate courses in primary and intermediate level literacy, diagnostic assessment and instruction, as well as children & adolescent literature

Dr. McGrath is also the Faculty Director of the Niagara University Family Literacy Center. The FLC provides a valuable resource to the community as well as an exceptional learning opportunity for students in the Advanced Literacy Program. Services and benefits provided by the FLC include the comprehensive evaluation of literacy abilities, individualized instructional programs built upon each participating child’s strengths and needs, state-of-the-art resources, current research, and evidence-based interventions. Graduate students in the Advanced Literacy Program benefit from authentic, hands-on experiences to enact theory to practice.

Dr. McGrath received a BA in English and Elementary Education from Niagara University and an MA in Literacy from SUNY at Buffalo. She completed her doctoral studies at SUNY at Buffalo and received a PhD in Literacy Education.

Dr. McGrath taught both the primary and elementary grades in the Sweet Home School District from 1993-2006. In 1995, she was given the opportunity to direct the Preschool Program at the International School of Grenada. She also has worked in the clinical setting at the Center for Literacy and Reading Instruction, SUNY Buffalo and was responsible for the supervision of graduate level students during their clinical practicum.

Dr. McGrath’s research has focused on family literacy, struggling readers, and teacher training in diagnostic assessment and clinical instruction.

Focus of Teaching

• Methods for literacy assessment and instruction
• Applied children’s and adolescent literature

Current Research

• Teacher Education
• Literacy Assessment and Instruction
• Family Literacy
• Social Emotional Learning

Current Involvement

• Chair, Department of Advanced Teacher Education
• Faculty Director, Family Literacy Center
• COE Leadership and Planning Committee
• University Tuition Exchange Committee
• University Satisfactory Academic Progress Committee

Educational Background

• B.A. in English and Elementary Education from Niagara University
• M.A. in Literacy from SUNY at Buffalo.
• Ph.D. in Literacy Education from SUNY at Buffalo.