Biography
Dr. Angela Curfman is a Professor of Teacher Education at West Liberty University, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in foundational literacy and reading skills and reading assessment. She earned her Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a minor in Literacy from West Virginia University and holds a Master of Science in Education in Elementary Reading and Literacy from Walden University. Dr. Curfmans scholarship focuses on evidence-based literacy instruction, teacher preparation, reflective practice, artificial intelligence in literacy education, and diverse representation in childrens literature. She has authored peer-reviewed publications, secured grant funding, and presents regularly at state, national, and international conferences. She serves as Studies and Research Coordinator and Past President of the West Virginia Reading Association and is active in the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers. Her work is dedicated to advancing literacy research, preparing effective educators, and fostering meaningful partnerships that improve teaching and learning.
Education
Professor of Teacher Education (05/2026 – present)
Associate Professor of Teacher Education (07/2022-05/2026)
Tenure 05/2023
Assistant Professor of Teacher Education (07/2017-07/2022)
Professional Experiences
West Virginia University, Morgantown West Virginia
Doctor of Education
Curriculum and Instruction Program of Study, with a minor in Literacy
Dissertation: More than one story: A bioecological model of elementary educators’ perceptions and representations of diversity
Walden University, Minneapolis Minnesota
Master of Science in Education, Elementary Reading and Literacy
Ohio University, Athens Ohio
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
Elected Chair of the Teacher Education and Professional Learning Division/Association of
Literacy Educators and Researchers, 2025-2027.
Co-chair of the Membership Committee for Specialized Literacy Professionals, 2025-2026.
West Virginia Department of Education Engaging Families WV, 05/2025-present. ((Invited member).
Executive Director West Virginia Reading Association, 2025-2026.
West Virginia State Superintendents Leaders of Literacy Advisory Council, 01.2022-present. (Invited member).
Most Recent Publications and Presentations
Presentations
Mountain State Professional Development, Scatterbrain LLC, Wheeling University, Wheeling, WV. (July, 2026). Dear student: The role of relationships in effective literacy instruction. Curfman, A.
69th West Virginia Reading Association Conference, Wheeling, West Virginia (November 2025). Literacy Town Hall. Curfman, A., Lohnas, C.
69th West Virginia Reading Association Conference, Wheeling, West Virginia (November 2025). Keeping the Wonder: Bringing Joy and Motivation to Reading Instruction.
Association of Literacy Researchers and Educators 68th Annual Conference, Oklahoma City, OK. (November 2025). Bridging Perceptions: Exploring the Evolution of Expectations in a Pen Pal-Based Partnership. Curfman, A., Morewood, A.
Association of Literacy Researchers and Educators 68th Annual Conference, Oklahoma City, OK. (November 2025). Integrating AI in Literacy Education: Graduate Students Perspectives on Designing Research-Based Instruction. Curfman, A., Folmar, C.
Publications
Lead editor. West Virginia Reading Association. (202)6. Reading, A Magical Adventure! West Virginia Reading Association Visual Conference Journal Volume 4. DOI/Publication 06.2026
Lead editor. West Virginia Reading Association. (2025). Yes we can! West Virginia Reading Association Visual Conference Journal Volume 3. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.29709.45280
Lead editor. (May 2024). West Virginia Reading Association. (May 2024). Visual Conference Journal Volume 2: Reading Opens Doors to the Future, Volume 2. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.30616.81920
Lead editor. (May 2023). West Virginia Reading Association Visual Conference Journal Volume 1: Literacy, A Joyful Transformation. West Virginia Reading Association.
DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.20345.03685