Keely Baronak, EdD is professor of Education and chair of the Education Department at Carlow University. She also serves as Executive Director of The Campus School. She began her teaching career in Norfolk, VA working as a teacher for young children with autism. She went on to teach elementary and middle school students in Virginia Beach, VA, and Moundsville, WV before entering higher education. She is passionate about early literacy practices, supporting students with dyslexia, teacher diversification efforts, and promoting a universally designed curriculum for students. Dr. Baronak is a member of several boards in Pittsburgh including Literacy Pittsburgh, A+ Schools, and Blessed Be Educators. She and her family reside in the South Hills of Pittsburgh where they enjoy gardening and caring for senior rescue dogs.

Education

EdD, Special Education and Educational Leadership, West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.Va.
MS, Special Education, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Va.
BA, Education, Bethany College, Bethany, W.Va.

Selected Publications

Baronak, K. (2023 accepted manuscript). Honoring the Power of Place: Rural Educator Development in Early Childhood and Elementary Education Using a Childcare Apprenticeship Model. Journal of Thresholds in Education – Special Issue to be published summer 2023.

Hirsh, R. & Baronak, K. (2020). Empowering Pre-Service Teacher With Technology Fluency. Creative Education. Scientific Research, December.

Chaud, S., Baronak, K. et al. (2018). Remaking PA Teacher Education: Analysis of Report by Learning Policy Institute. PAC-TE State Conference round table discussion.

Selected Presentations

Baronak, K, & Sora, S. (2023). Comprehension Supports in Structured Literacy Programs. PA Higher Education Summit.

Baronak, K. & Baronak, W. (2022). State Policies, Politics, and Profit in Teacher Preparation for Literacy Instruction presented to the American Reading Forum National Conference.

Piccini, V. & Baronak, K. (2019). With or Without a Label: How ALL Kids Learn to Read. Title I Improving School Performance State Conference.

Baronak, K. (2019). Para2Teacher Pipeline Project Proposal. Pittsburgh Public Schools. Committee and Board Presentation as part of competitive RFP process. Awarded.

Baronak, K. Invited Panelist. (2018). Teacher Pipeline Considerations. Heinz Foundations Conference on Educator Diversity.

Selected Grants

Baronak, K, Beaumont, P. & Hirsh, R. (2022). An Apprenticeship Model in Early Childhood Education. Anonymous Foundation. ($12,000,000). PI

Baronak, K. (2022). Sister Mary Hickey Educator Project. Shea Foundation ($94,000). PI

Baronak, K (2021). The Power of One: Teacher Diversification Educator Project. McElhattan Foundation. ($225,000). PI

Baronak, K (2021). The Power of One: Teacher Diversification Educator Project. Gravel Foundation. ($225,000). PI

Baronak, K, Sora, S., and Piccini, V. (2021). The Peirce Dyslexia Program at Carlow University. ($109,000).