Dr. Denise L. Zawada

Dr. Denise L. Zawada is an Assistant Professor of Literacy (K-8) specializing in the practical integration of artificial intelligence into teacher preparation. Drawing on a diverse career that includes foundational experience as an elementary teacher and time as an Instructional Leader at a large public-school district—where she focused on instructional practices, professional development, and reflective coaching—Dr. Zawada brings a unique, grounded perspective to educational technology. In other research opportunities, she has explored literacy policies and the de-expertise of the profession contributing to the decline of teacher autonomy, positive teacher identity, and overall teacher well-being. Her current research and coursework focus on leveraging AI as a daily teacher tool to enhance lesson quality, deepen reflective practice, and create meaningful efficiencies in teacher workload, better preparing future educators for the modern classroom.