Barbara Kurth joined the Valparaiso University faculty in August, 2011.  During her career in education she has taught middle school reading, worked as a reading specialist at both the elementary and middle school levels, served as Curriculum Director and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, served as an Early Reading Specialist for the Illinois State Board of Education and worked as an Independent Reading Consultant.  She has served as an editorial Board Member for the Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, and The Reading Teacher, member of the Editorial Advisory Board for Illinois Reading Council Journal, and editor for Middle School Journal.  Barbara was a member of the site team for the U.S. Department of Education’s Staff Development Award and the recipient of the IASCD Innovators in Education and Professional Development Award.