Dr. Lazich Caesar is a seasoned professional who brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion for reading education to the university. She leads masters and doctoral courses in reading education.

She works closely with teachers and leaders seeking to deepen their expertise in curriculum, instruction and assessment of reading. The knowledge and perspectives of teachers are at the center of her research, as she seeks to support practicing teachers through professional development and literacy coaching. Dr. Lazich Caesar is committed to the preparation of reading professionals and development of reading teachers.

Degrees

  • PhD - DePaul University; Chicago, IL
  • MEd - DePaul University; Chicago, IL
  • BS - Northern Illinois University; DeKalb, IL

Academic and Professional Highlights

  • Doctoral Commencement Speaker - Concordia University Chicago, May 2022

Invited Panels

  • Ahead of the Curve - Job Searching Tips for College of Education Students, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, 2015.
  • Beyond Structure – Understanding Best Practices in Classroom Management, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, 2015.

Publications:

  • Lazich, S. & Hendricks, D. (2019) Going for the Gold: CLEF Medallion Program. Lutheran Education Journal. 155(3), 46-52.

  • Lazich, S. (2018). Empowering Community Partners. Lutheran Education Journal. 80, 90-91. 

Presentations:

  • "An Examination of Teachers’ Disciplinary Knowledge of Early Literacy Instruction" Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER), Santa Fe, NM. November 9-11, 2023.

  • “Phonemic Awareness: Examining and Deepening Teachers’ Perceptions, Knowledge and Skills through a School Network-University Partnership” Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER), Corpus Christi, TX. November 7-9, 2019.

  • “Navigating the Path of Instructional Coaching: A Framework for Supporting Literacy Growth Through a School Network and University Partnership” Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER), Corpus Christi, TX. November 7-9, 2019.

  • “Phonemic Awareness Made Simple” Concordia University Chicago’s 43rd Annual Early Childhood Conference. River Forest, IL. August 2, 2019.

  • “Online Practicum: Effective Practices to Engage & Motivate Adult Learners and Increase Purposeful and Intentional Practices” with Kari Pawl, Ed.D. and Veronica Richard, Ph.D. Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER), Louisville, KY. November 8-10, 2018.

  • “Scholarly Writing for Graduate Students” with Veronica Richard, Ph.D. and Sandra Doering, Ed.D. Concordia University Chicago’s Adjunct Faculty Enrichment (CAFÉ). River Forest, IL. August 18, 2019.

  • "Jumping into Multiliteracies: Engaging Urban Elementary Students in Exploring the World" with Dara Soljaga, Ph.D., Simeon Stumme, Ph.D. & Kari Pawl Ed.D. Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER), St. Petersburg,FL. November 3-6, 2017.

  • "Literacy Coaching: A Project Based Perspective to Literacy & Language Learning" with Dara Soljaga, Ph.D. & Simeon Stumme, Ph.D. Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER), St. Petersburg,FL. November 3-5, 2017.

  • "Literacy Coaching: Establishing Relationships & Monitoring Teacher Growth Through LLINK" with Dara Soljaga, Ph.D., Simeon Stumme, Ph.D. & Veronica Richard, Ph.D. Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER), Myrtle Beach, SC November 4-6, 2016.