Sarah C Lightner

Sarah C Lightner
  • Associate Professor
  • Department: Literacy
  • Institution: West Chester University of Pennsylvania
  • Email: SLIGHTNER@wcupa.edu

Education

  • Masters in Education from the University of Pittsburgh
  • Doctorate from the Ohio State University

Research Interests

critical literacyyoung adult literaturerole of dialoguecommunity engagement

Opportunities

Work Study Positions Available: Yes

On going opportunities may be available for education majors. Please contact Dr. Lightner if interested at slightner@wcupa.edu

Grant Funded Positions Available: Yes

On going opportunities may be available for graduate students in education. Please contact Dr. Lightner if interested at slightner@wcupa.edu

Course-Credit Research Opportunities Available: No

Volunteer Research Positions Available: No

Biography

Sarah Lightner received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from the Pennsylvania State University. She received her Masters in Education from the University of Pittsburgh in Reading Education and her Doctorate from the Ohio State University in Reading and Literacy in Early and Middle Childhood. Dr. Lightner has eight years of experience as a reading specialist in elementary and middle school settings. Her research interests concern critical literacy, young adult literature, and the role of dialogue in reading comprehension.

Contact Information

Phone: 610-436-2391

List of Publications

  • Norris, M., Solic, K., Lightner, S.C., Doyle, K., Walsh, C., Hower, A., McGeehan, C., & Sobolak, M. (2022). Supporting all readers: Perspectives of the KSLA-TE Special Interest Group on structured literacy, the science(s) of reading, and comprehensive literacy instruction. PA Reads.
  • Lightner, S.C., Shanahan, E.B. (2021). Embracing ambiguity: Using literature with controversial themes to muddle the concrete and solidify the uncertain. Voices from the Middle, 29(2), 34-41.
  • Lightner, S.C. (2021). Imagined innocence meets lived experience. Journal for Multicultural Education, 15(3), 270-281. https://doi.org/10.1108/JME-02-2020-0010.
  • Lightner, S.C., Raskauskas, J., Oliver, C., Wrightstone, M. (2020). Community and university partnerships: Working together for academic excellence. PA Reads, 19(1), 19-24. Lightner, S.C. (2020). Critical companions: Using literary theories to negotiate controversial topics in young adult novels. Voices from the Middle, 27(3), 25-27.

Links