2008-2009 - Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University Outstanding
Community Service Award
Barbara J. Reinken | GVSU College of Education
Rank: Associate Professor of Education
Teaching Area: Reading/Language Arts
Courses Taught:
EDR 626 Literacy Assessments and Instruction
EDR Practicum for Reading Specialists
EDR 685 Practicum for Reading Teachers
ED 693 Master’s Project
ED 695 Master’s Thesis
EDR 696 Program Dev. and Administration
Joined GVSU COE Faculty: 1996
Degrees and Institutions Attended:
B.S., Indiana University
M.S., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Ph.D., Michigan State University
Expertise: Literacy diagnosis and instruction
Dr. Reinken’s lifelong passion for literacy and
community service earned her the 2008-09
GVSU Outstanding Community Service Award.
In her professional life she has been a:
• Classroom teacher
• Title I reading teacher
• Reading resource teacher
• Elementary school principal
Uncommon Service
As a COE faculty member in the Reading/Language
Arts program, she initiated a literacy program with
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools that has grown into
the GVSU summer Literacy Center. The Center has
helped English Language Learners (ELL) improve
test scores and increase oral/written literacy skills.
Dr. Reinken co-chairs the Michigan Department
of Education state review of initial certification
reading courses. In that capacity, she focused her
leadership skills on improved literacy education
for all newly certified Michigan teachers.
She was one of three GVSU faculty members
appointed to the University NCA Study Team task
force in 2005. Her work on the team over the next
three years, including the fall 2008 onsite review,
led to GVSU’s unconditional NCA accreditation award.
Dr. Reinken’s service to the COE, GVSU, the State
of Michigan and far beyond has been exceptional,
and numerous lives have been enriched by her
enthusiasm and passion for excellence.
Faculty Awards
“Thanks to the support of Dean Collins, COE,
my dream of championing a love of reading
is able to continue. I am passionate that a
difference can be made if we provide books
so others may find the joy and love of reading
that a book can bring.”
3
COE
Achievements
Dr. Reinken is the only faculty
member to have been awarded both
the GVSU University Service Award
(2006) and the University
Community Service Award (2008).