Introduction
Teaching Interests
Research Interests
Educational Background

Division of Curriculum and Instruction

Norman Unrau
Professor

Office: KH C1065B
Phone: (323) 343-4359
FAX: (310) 367-4903
Email: nunrau@calstatela.edu

INTRODUCTION

After teaching for twenty-five years in public high schools, I returned to graduate school to deepen my knowledge of teaching, to conduct inquiry into classroom practice, and to help new teachers prepare for productive careers as educators. I have been working in the Charter School of Education at CSLA since the Fall Quarter of 1993. I moved to the LA area with my wife, who teaches piano, and our daughter, who is now in college. With our move to LA, I have managed to find time for running and tennis.

TEACHING INTERESTS

At CSULA, I teach primarily in the Single Subject Credential Program. I frequently teach EDSE 423, Literacies in Middle and High School Content Classrooms, a course intended to help all teachers infuse reading and writing into their content programs. I've also worked with my colleagues to develop a Master of Arts in Education with an Option in Middle and Secondary Curriculum and Instruction. In that program, I teach EDSE 500, Reflections on Teaching, and EDCI 415 Teaching for Thinking. We're now seeking applications from students interested in that Masters program.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

My research interests have evolved over the past ten years. When in graduate school at UC, Berkeley, I was primarily interested in cognitive processes in reading and writing. That interest continues to pervade much of my work. For example, I recently wrote a Content Area Reading and Writing: Fostering Literacies in Middle and High School Cultures and co-edited Theoretical Models and Processes of Reading (5th Edition). I have also been doing research and writing on literacy engagement, especially at the middle school level. My interest in teacher development and reflective practice is manifested in teaching courses on developing students’ thinking and in supporting MA candidates’ pursuit of National Board certification.

Representative Professional Activities

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Ed.D. Education in Languages and Literacy Dec., 1989
University of California, Berkeley

M.A. Teaching of English June, 1966
Teachers College, Columbia University

B.S. English June, 1965
Columbia University

OFFICE HOURS