About the Zeiter Center

The Gayle A. Zeiter Literacy Center (ZLC) is a multi-faceted and progressive professional development and research committed to educational and social equity through the lenses of language, literacy, and culture. The ZLC, housed in the College of Education at UNLV, was established through a generous philanthropic gift from the Zeiter family to honor the legacy of Gayle A. Zeiter, a local teacher with a passion and commitment to literacy. The ZLC is committed to supporting PreK-12 students, their families, educators, and larger community through professional development offered to teachers, school districts, and in service or grants, tutoring and learning support through initiatives within the College of Education and in partnership with the MGM Corporation, conferences centered in supporting English Language Learning and connecting educators to Young Adult and Children’s Literature, research and grants that connect across disciplines and stakeholders toward improving outcomes for students and educators, as well as housing an academic journal (Taboo: The Journal of Culture and Education) further extending the global connectivity of the ZLC.


Zeiter Center Leadership Team

Dr. Kenneth (Kenny) Varner

Zeiter Literacy Center Director

Professor – Teaching & Learning

Dr. Sophie Ladd

Zeiter Literacy Center Co-Director

Assistant Professor in Residence – Teaching & Learning