TCU's Mission: To educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders and responsible citizens in the global community. 

This is a place where students learn how to adapt to whatever the future might bring, develop critical thinking skills and expand their creativity. With a choice of rigorous academic programs in 131 undergraduate areas of study, 49 master's level programs and 20 areas of doctoral study, Horned Frogs have opportunities to search for meaning and examine values, yet graduate well-prepared for professional accomplishment.

Texas Christian University

New Row

Contact expert @[Full Name](fullname), @[Job Title](job_title) at @[Organization](organization) for media, speaking, professional opportunities and more.

@[Full Name](fullname) at @[Organization](organization) | Contact Form

Expert Inquiry

Open Sans

Warren Faculty Fellow, Holocaust Museum of Houston

International Literacy Association Jerry Johns Outstanding Teacher Educator in Reading Award

Excellence in Action: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Social Justice Award presented by the Associate & Assistant Deans and Directors of Texas (ADoT) Colleges of Education

Ezra Keats/Janina Domanska Research Fellowship, University of Southern Mississippi

Dean’s Award for Teaching, Texas Christian University

Finalist, TCU Michael R. Ferrari Award for Distinguished University Service and Leadership

Notable Books for a Global Society Research Award, International Literacy Association

College Nominee, Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Achievement as a Teacher & Scholar

College Nominee, Dean’s Research and Creativity Award

Faculty Achievement Award for Teaching, Department of Elementary Education, Stephen F. Austin State University

Journal of Early Childhood Education : Associate Editor, 2021-present

The Reading Teacher : Co-Editor, 2015- 2021

 Journal of Research in Childhood Education : Editor, 2012-2014

Journal of Research in Childhood Education : Associate Editor, 2009-2011

Technology in the Classroom, published in Childhood Education : Columnist, 2003-2009

Literacy, published by the United Kingdom Literacy Association : Editorial Board

 Journal of Research in Childhood Education : Editorial Advisory Board 

journal Dragon Lode, published by the International Literacy Association : Editorial Board

Motherhood, the Tenure Track, and Leadership

Literacy in Lockdown: Learning and Teaching During COVID-19 School Closures

Global Leaders' Views on the Teaching of Writing

Teacher as Decision Maker: A Framework to Guide Teaching Decisions in Reading

Promoting Resilience Through Read-Alouds

Preparing Globally Minded Literacy Teachers: Knowledge, Practices, and Case Studies

Cases of Successful Literacy Teachers

Dr. Jan Lacina holds the Bezos Family Foundation Endowed Chair of Early Childhood Education and is Senior Associate Dean for Research, Graduate Studies & Strategic Partnerships within the College of Education. She began her career as a Texas public school teacher, and has been employed at TCU since 2005.  

Dr. Lacina has served in many leadership positions within higher education, such as Interim Dean, Early Childhood Program Coordinator, and Post Baccalaureate Graduate Program Coordinator. Since 2011, she has served as Associate Dean in TCU’s College of Education. In leadership roles she led programs to win national awards including the AACTE Best Practice Award in Support of Multicultural Education and Diversity, the AACTE/Southern Poverty Law Center Culturally Responsive Teaching Award, the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE) Billy G. Dixon Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award, as well as the Wisniewski Teacher Education Award presented by the Society of Professors of Education (SPE).  

Dr. Jan Lacina is the recipient of both the TCU Dean’s Research and Creativity Award and the TCU Dean’s Award for Teaching. Most notably she received the 2023 International Literacy Association Jerry Johns Outstanding Teacher Educator in Reading Award as well as the 2023 Excellence in Action: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Social Justice Award for her leadership as an Associate Dean in Texas. Dr. Lacina holds an appointment as U.S. Ambassador for the United Kingdom Literacy Association through 2028.  

Dr. Jan Lacina has served as Editor and/or Associate Editor for three major journals within her field, and authored more than 100 publications, including four books. She was Program Lead for the College’s learning by scientific design (LBSD) work, which focused on program improvement and tracking candidate learning outcomes. She is Program Coordinator for the College’s Holmes Scholars Program, a national program which provides mentoring and professional development opportunities for graduate students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

Literacy Leadership

Children's Literature

Early Childhood and Elementary Education

Teacher Education

Faculty Profile - Texas Christian University

ResearchGate Citations

Real-Life Faces Of Education Reform

Lead On: TCU Announces New Endowed Faculty Appointments

Bezos Family Foundation Endowed Chair in Early Childhood Education | Senior Associate Dean for Research, Graduate Studies and Strategic Partnerships

Interim Dean Jan Lacina's message to TCU College of Education students during the first week of remote learning in the COVID-19 global pandemic. Visit http://tcu.edu/coronavirus for campus updates.

Music: bensound.com

Jan Lacina Message for Students

Interim Dean Jan Lacina's message to TCU College of Education alumni and friends during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Visit http://tcu.edu/coronavirus for campus updates.

Music: bensound.com

Jan Lacina Message for Alumni and Friends

Panelists joined the TCU College of Education for a Facebook Live chat and Q&A discussing the impact of COVID-19 on K-12 students, educators and families. They focused on lessons learned from COVID-19 as it relates to educating youth and the role of schools in our community. The panel, moderated by Jan Lacina, professor and associate dean of graduate studies included:

Frank Hernandez, dean of the TCU College of Education who has served for 30 years in K-12 and higher education. 

Trevon R. Jones, a passionate advocate for students of color in Fort Worth. This will be his eighth year serving Fort Worth ISD and his second year as an Equity Specialist in the Division of Equity and Excellence. At TCU, Trevon is a doctoral candidate in the joint MBA/Ph.D. in K-12 Educational Leadership program and serves as an adjunct professor in the John V. Roach Honors College.

Faiha Al-Atrash, the Parent Coordinator and Community Liaison at the Fort Worth ISD International Newcomer Academy (INA).

TCU COE LIVE: K-12 Education and COVID-19 Lessons Learned

Select Inquiry Type