Katrina Bartow Jacobs

Known for influential publications on teacher education and critical literacy, Katrina Bartow Jacobs serves as an associate professor of practice in Language, Literacy, and Culture at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education. Her research is deeply rooted in the integration of sociocultural perspectives of literacy and practitioner research, with a keen focus on urban education and early childhood education. Dr. Jacobs is particularly interested in how children learn with and from texts and how educators can develop and implement critical literacy pedagogies. Dr. Jacobs earned her M.Ed and Ph.D. in Reading/Writing/Literacy from the University of Pennsylvania, where she honed her expertise in literacy education. Before transitioning to academia, she gained valuable experience as a first-grade and fourth-grade teacher in California. This practical experience in the classroom informs her research and teaching, providing her with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in teacher education. At the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Jacobs is committed to preparing future educators to meet the needs of diverse learners in urban settings. Her work emphasizes the importance of understanding the sociocultural contexts of literacy and the role of teachers as researchers in their own classrooms. Through her courses and mentorship, she encourages students to critically engage with texts and to develop pedagogies that are responsive to the needs of their students. Dr. Jacobs's contributions to the field of literacy education have been recognized through her numerous publications and presentations at national and international conferences. Her work continues to influence educators and researchers who are dedicated to improving literacy outcomes for children in urban environments.