The Science of Reading Center at SUNY New Paltz welcomes Dr. Alyssa O'Rourke as Fellow

NEW PALTZ, N.Y., Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Science of Reading Center at SUNY New Paltz is pleased to announce that Alyssa O'Rourke, Ph.D., an educator with more than 30 years of research and applied experience, has joined the Center as a Fellow.

Since 1992, O'Rourke has worked in a variety of educational roles, bringing deep expertise in literacy, educational assessment, learning disabilities, and applied child development.

"Joining the Science of Reading Center is a wonderful opportunity to help educators make sense of complex reading research," O'Rourke said. "My goal is to bring clarity to the science of reading, connecting assessments, child development and structured literacy practices in ways that teachers can use every day."

In her new role, O'Rourke will collaborate with Center staff and other Fellows to provide expertise in MTSS and reading assessment, translate research into practical guidance, expand microcredential programs and resources, lead professional learning workshops, support schools in implementing evidence-based practices, promote the Center's initiatives and partnerships, and offer consultations and assessment guidance to schools and organizations.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. O'Rourke to the Science of Reading Center," said Rose Else-Mitchell, Executive Director of the Science of Reading Center." Her decades of experience as an educator, combined with her expertise in MTSS, assessments, and structured literacy, make her a tremendous asset to our mission of helping educators translate research into effective classroom practice."

About the Science of Reading Center

Founded in 2023, the Science of Reading Center offers a hub of professional learning and development for educators with a shared mission of improving literacy outcomes for children across the U.S., by promoting research-backed knowledge and practices that are proven to help children gain skills and competence as readers. The Center is a source for continuing education, live events and webinars, professional networking and district/education department partnerships.

Please click here to learn more about the Science of Reading Center and its microcredential offerings.

SOURCE Science of Reading Center at SUNY New Paltz