Meet KaiLonnie Dunsmore

KaiLonnie Dunsmore is a literacy educator and researcher dedicated to empowering teachers and instructional leaders to design, implement, and evaluate high-quality literacy practices. Her work focuses on asset-based needs assessments, coaching leadership teams, fostering system-wide instructional alignment, and implementing professional learning plans that balance support with accountability.

KaiLonnie’s career includes roles such as Senior Researcher at NORC at the University of Chicago, Fellow at the National Council of Teachers of English, and Associate Director of the National Center for Literacy Education. She has led national projects, including a $4.55 million U.S. Department of Education grant to improve rural early literacy and has provided strategic support for ELA standards implementation with state and federal organizations. She currently balances consulting, coaching, and leadership roles in nonprofit organizations.

• Michigan State University, Ph.D. in Teaching and Curriculum: Concentrations in Literacy Instruction; Disability & Teacher Learning

• Michigan State University, B.A. in Teacher Education

• Certifications: K-6 self-contained; Grades 6-8: Language Arts, Science, Social Studies