Jeta Donovan

Jeta is an expert in literacy teaching, learning science, academic strategy, change management, and selecting and implementing high-quality instructional materials in English-language arts (ELA). She has nearly two decades of teaching experience.

Jeta received her Ph.D. from Fordham University in language and literacy and conducted research into best practices for addressing adolescent literacy. For over a decade, she taught graduate school courses to both pre-service and in-service teachers. She also worked for seven years as a middle school English teacher and reading specialist in New York City public schools, and she’s served as an instructional coach and curriculum design specialist for Turnaround for Children, coaching teachers on creating supportive learning environments and student-centered instruction. The first time Jeta walked into the classroom of a new teacher she’d coached and saw her feedback in action—the kids were noticeably more engaged in the class and its content—she knew she could impact students beyond her own classroom walls. She remains passionate about teacher training and teacher education.

My grandmother grew up during the Great Depression in a cabin without electricity or running water, but later attended college and became a librarian. A believer in civic engagement and social change, she taught me that education can change your life but should be used to contribute to a better world.