I am a graduate of Westminster College with a degree in Elementary Education and Childhood Development. Upon completion of my Bachelor's, I went on to the University of Pittsburgh to get my Master's in Reading. Upon graduation, I began teaching as a Title I teacher, then moving into a First Grade classroom. I love working with children but also helping mold the future of education. I am currently in the last year of classes and working on my dissertation at Indiana University of Pennsylvania to obtain my doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction. My expected graduation is May 2025.

Education

• Master's of Reading Education K-12, University of Pittsburgh (2008)

• Bachelors of Science, Elementary K-6, Westminster College (2004)

Publications

• Ratai, K. (2007). The Polka Dotted Princess. AuthorHouse Publishing.

Awards

• Ratai, K. (2023). Differentiated Literacy Coaching: Collaborating for Teacher Change. Submitted to School of Graduate Studies and Research Award

• American Reading Forum Graduate Scholarship 2023

Organizations

• Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (2023-Present)

Presentations

• Ankrum, J.W., Genest, M., Ratai, K., & Waggoner, E. (2023, December). Exploring the Relationship between Teacher Change and Literacy Coaching Intensity. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Reading Forum (ARF), St. Pete’s Beach, FL.

• Ankrum, J.W., Ratai, K., & Waggoner, E. (2023, November). Differentiated Literacy Coaching: Collaborating for Teacher Change. Paper presented at the annual meeting of Association of Literacy Educators and Research (ALER), Santa Fe, NM.

• Ratai, K.N. (2009). DIBELS. Presented to K-6 teachers at Greater Latrobe School District, Latrobe, PA. Follow-up training provided.

• Ratai, K.N. & Firestone, R. (2009). 5 Key Areas of Reading. Presented as Act 48 workshop to teachers at Greater Latrobe School District, Latrobe, PA.

Certifications

• Middle Level English (2007)

• Reading Specialist Certificate, University of Pittsburgh (2007)