Timothy & Cynthia Shanahan Outstanding Dissertation Award Grant

Timothy & Cynthia Shanahan Outstanding Dissertation Award Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: International Literacy Association
Last Updated: December 23, 2025

Summary

The Timothy & Cynthia Shanahan Outstanding Dissertation Award, presented by the International Literacy Association, recognizes exceptional doctoral research in the field of reading and literacy. This award encourages innovative scholarship that bridges research and practice, fostering improvements in literacy education globally. Eligible candidates must be ILA members in good standing and demonstrate significant contributions through their dissertations. The award is granted only when high-quality applications meet rigorous evaluation standards.

Overview

NOTE:  This is a blind review process, applications must not include any identifying information, including names and institutional affiliations, except in the applicant information section. Awards and Grants ILA recognizes and celebrates the outstanding contributions of individuals and chapters in our network who are committed to our shared mission of connecting research and practice to improve the quality of literacy learning across the globe. Literacy Leadership Awards and Grants ILA’s awards and grants honor outstanding graduate and doctoral students, literacy educators, and researchers in all stages of their careers. Timothy & Cynthia Shanahan Outstanding Dissertation Award The International Literacy Association (ILA) Timothy & Cynthia Shanahan Outstanding Dissertation Award honors an outstanding doctoral student who focused their research in the reading field or who conducted related research with implications for reading. Dissertation monographs will be evaluated, through a blind review process, using the following criteria: Significance of Research Question Theoretical Framework/Literature Review Rationale for the Research Appropriateness and Adequacy of the Methodology/Approach Significance/Implications for Practice and Research Clarity, Cohesion, and Specificity The award will be granted only in years when the committee concludes there is a high-quality application that meets the rigorous standards outlined above.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants for the Timothy & Cynthia Shanahan Outstanding Dissertation Award must have completed dissertations in any aspect of the field of reading or literacy between the specified dates and had their dissertation approved by their committee.Studies may use any research approach (ethnographic, experimental, historical, survey, etc.). Each study will be assessed in light of its approach, its scholarship, and its significant contributions to knowledge within the reading/literacy field.To be eligible, candidates must be ILA members in good standing and maintain active membership through the specified date. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. To be eligible, candidates must be ILA members in good standing and maintain active membership through the specified date.

Ineligibility

Previously published monographs are not eligible for this award.