In addition to receiving research-based interventions and customized instructional approaches, students with learning disabilities often just need someone to be their advocate. This year, the Learning Disabilities Association of Iowa (LDA-IA) recognized  Deborah K. Reed, associate professor in the University of Iowa College of Education, as one of the leading such advocates in the state.

For her steadfast dedication to students with learning disabilities, Reed, director of the Iowa Reading Research Center at the UI College of Education, was named the LDA-IA’s 2016 Outstanding Educator of the Year. She received the award at the LDA-IA Awards Dinner on Oct. 23 in Des Moines during the association’s annual conference.

The award recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of education of children, youth, or adults with learning disabilities.

Reed’s training in special education and her extensive experience as a researcher have led her to author three books and numerous academic journal articles, and she is a leader in the fields of reading assessments and professional development and training for teachers. She was a speaker at the 2015 LDA-IA Annual Conference, where, according to Awards Committee Chair Donna Schletzbaum, both parents and educators gained valuable insight from her presentation on reading practices for students with learning disabilities.

The Iowa Reading Research Center strives to improve the literacy skills of all students. The IRRC provides guidance for literacy instruction in schools by conducting research in practical settings to evaluate the effectiveness of literacy practices. The center was created by the Iowa Legislature, is overseen by the Iowa Department of Education, and is housed at the University of Iowa College of Education.