Teaching Faculty & Director of Graduate Literacy
- Ph.D., Reading Education University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
- Ed.M., Elementary Education University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
- B.A., English, Art minor, University at Albany, The State University of New York
Dr. Kayla Zimmer is the Director of the Graduate Literacy program at Canisius and a dedicated faculty member with a passion for literacy education. As a literacy specialist, her research focuses on student questioning, research-based literacy practices (often referred to as the Science of Reading), student engagement, and education policy. Always eager to expand her knowledge, she is a frequent reader, webinar attendee, and podcast listener, staying at the forefront of literacy education.
With over 25 years in higher education, Dr. Zimmer brings a wealth of experience from various educational settings. She has worked as a 6-1-1 teacher for students with profound autism, a seventh-grade teacher assistant on native Seneca land, and even a National Park Service ranger—experiences that shape her dynamic and engaging approach to teaching. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, gardening, discovering new local music, and experimenting in the kitchen.
As an advisor, Dr. Zimmer is committed to helping MSED and Advanced Certification Literacy candidates navigate their academic and professional paths. She takes a personalized approach to advising, ensuring that each student’s coursework aligns with their career goals and certification requirements. Whether helping students balance their studies with work and life commitments, guiding them through program options, or providing long-term career advice, she is always available to offer support. She welcomes conversations with current and prospective students to discuss their aspirations and how the program can best serve their needs.
Publications
Finn, J. D. & Zimmer, K. S. (2012). Student engagement: What is it? Why does it matter? In S. L. Christenson, A. L. Reschly, & C. Wylie (Eds.). The handbook of research on student engagement. New York, NY: Springer.
Zimmer, K.S. (2019). The impact of the Academic Literacy Skills Test on teacher preparation in New York State (Accession No. 13885182) [doctoral dissertation, The State University of New York at Buffalo]. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.
Zimmer, K. S. (June 2015). Starting early/starting smart: Embedding edTPA skills in a junior internship teaching experience. Presentation at the edTPA Mid-Atlantic Implementation Conference, Towson, MD.