Laureen Tedesco

Professor with a reputation for excellence in the field of English literature, Laureen Tedesco is an Associate Professor at East Carolina University. Her academic journey is marked by a profound dedication to Children's Literature, with a particular passion for collecting out-of-print children's books. Her scholarly contributions include insightful essays on gender roles, notably within early Girl Scout handbooks, which have garnered attention for their depth and originality. Currently, Professor Tedesco is delving into the works of evangelical authors Isabella MacDonald Alden and Harriett Lothrop, crafting articles that promise to shed new light on their literary contributions. Her research has been showcased at numerous conferences, reflecting her active engagement with the academic community. As a committed member of the Children's Literature Association, she continues to influence the discourse in her field. In the classroom, Professor Tedesco brings her expertise to a diverse array of courses, including Literature for Children and Women in Literature. Her teaching is characterized by a dynamic approach that encourages students to explore the intersections of literature and societal roles. Her research interests extend to 19th and early 20th-century girls’ fiction, a niche that she explores with both scholarly rigor and personal enthusiasm. Beyond her academic pursuits, Professor Tedesco is known for her dedication to fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment for her students. Her commitment to education and research makes her a valued member of the English Department at ECU. Through her work, she continues to inspire a new generation of scholars and readers, leaving a lasting impact on the field of Children's Literature.