Rate My Professor Jessica Gallo

Dr. Jessica Gallo is Associate Professor of English Education in the Department of Secondary Education within the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Nevada, Reno. She earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Literacy Studies, her M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Literacy Studies, and her B.S. in English, all from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to her academic career, Gallo taught high school English in rural schools in Wisconsin, gaining firsthand experience in the challenges of rural education. She has been a National Writing Project Teacher Leader since 2008 and served as co-director of the Rural Wisconsin Writing Institute, a site affiliated with the Fox Valley Writing Project. These experiences inform her commitment to preparing effective English teachers, particularly for underserved rural communities.

Gallo's research focuses on English teacher preparation, middle and secondary writing pedagogy, and rural education. Her scholarship has been published in prominent journals such as Voices from the Middle, English Leadership Quarterly, and Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research. Notable contributions include her 2021 article 'Against the Grain: Stopping Stereotypes about Teaching in Rural Areas' and co-authorship of the NCTE Position Statement on 'Beliefs about Methods Courses and Field Experiences in English Education.' She has also co-edited the 2024 book 'Principles that Shape English Teacher Education: Pedagogy for the Future.' Gallo's work influences teacher education by challenging stereotypes and advocating for innovative pedagogies. She mentors undergraduate researchers, several of whom have received Senior Scholar honors from the University of Nevada, Reno. Additionally, she holds leadership positions, including Co-Chair of the ELATE Executive Committee for the National Council of Teachers of English, contributing to national discussions on English education practices and policies.