Rachelle S. Savitz

Dr. Rachelle S. Savitz is an Associate Professor of Reading/Literacy Education in the College of Education at East Carolina University. She earned her Ph.D. in Theory and Practice in Teacher Education with a concentration in Literacy Studies from the University of Tennessee. Her scholarship centers on culturally sustaining disciplinary literacy, trauma-sensitive literacy practices, and teacher identity development.As Principal Investigator of a multi-year, grant-funded study, she examines how educators’ professional identities, critical reflection, and instructional decision-making intersect to support inclusive and humanizing literacy instruction.

Dr. Savitz is deeply engaged in professional service at local, state, and national levels. She serves as President of Literacy in the Disciplines (LiD) 6–12 and co-chair the Eastern Region of the DRIVE Coalition, focused on strengthening and diversifying the educator workforce in North Carolina. She frequently collaborates with schools, districts, and community partners to design professional learning experiences that bridge research and practice. Through mentoring, conference leadership, and community-engaged initiatives, she remains committed to advancing equity, access, and belonging in literacy education.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Dr. Savitz brings both passion and practicality to her work. Outside of the university, she finds joy in hiking, camping, and kayaking to recharge. A devoted Steelers and Penguins fan, she values community, mentorship, and collaboration in all aspects of her life.