Mona Beth Zignego, PhD

Mona Beth Zignego, PhD, is an accomplished educator, researcher, and literacy specialist with over two decades of experience in the field of education. She currently serves as the Chief School Officer at LUMIN Schools. With a PhD in Language and Literacy, her expertise focuses on literacy, teacher education, and foundational reading skills. Her doctoral research explored bridging the gap between research and practice through a hybrid case study of teacher literacy education. Dr. Zignego has held adjunct teaching positions at several universities, where she has influenced the next generation of educators through courses on literacy development, assessment, and intervention. Her work has taken her into classrooms, schools, and districts where she has provided literacy coaching, data analysis, and professional development across Wisconsin. Dr. Zignego’s leadership in designing literacy programs, tiered intervention strategies, and equitable multi-level support systems has had a transformative impact on school culture and student outcomes.

She is a published author, with her work featured in The Reading Teacher and Currere Exchange Journal. Additionally, Dr. Zignego has contributed chapters to various academic books and presented at numerous international and national conferences, focusing on the cycle of care, liberatory literacy, and transformational coaching. Her dedication to education is grounded in a commitment to equity, care, and a deep understanding of the complex challenges faced by teachers and students alike. As an advocate for socially just classrooms and care-driven pedagogy, Dr. Zignego continues to explore innovative methods for improving literacy education and teacher support.

Books by Mona Beth Zignego, PhD:

Transforming Teaching Through the Cycle of Care
A Comprehensive Guide to Empowering Education Through Relationships, Listening, Thinking, and Responding

In Transforming Teaching Through the Cycle of Care: A Comprehensive Guide to Empowering Education Through Relationships, Listening, Thinking, and Responding, author Mona Beth Zignego introduces a groundbreaking model that reshapes the way educators approach their profession. Drawing from decades of experience as a teacher, mentor, and researcher, Zignego offers a unique perspective on the vital role of care in the classroom. Through her "Cycle of Care" model, she breaks down the process of care into four critical elements: relationships, listening, thinking, and responding. This powerful framework is designed to help teachers not only support their students academically but also foster environments of trust, empathy, and social justice.

Zignego dives deeply into real-life examples from her own experience and research, illustrating both the profound impact of care on student outcomes and the devastating effects of its absence. From stories of students like Emily, who struggled under an uncaring teacher’s response, to educators like Mr. Price, who embodied the very essence of care in his practice, Transforming Teaching Through the Cycle of Care illuminates the path toward transformative education. A key focus of the book is the concept of self-directed care for teachers—a practice Zignego argues is essential for preventing burnout and for sustaining a healthy, effective teaching career. She acknowledges the emotional, physical, and professional challenges teachers face and provides practical tools to help them navigate these challenges while maintaining a caring, student-centered approach. With exercises like the "Emotionater Tool" and the "Teaching Identity Map," she guides teachers in reflecting on their own needs, biases, and emotional well-being, ensuring that care is directed not only at students but also at themselves.

This book is an invaluable resource for teachers, administrators, and anyone involved in education who wants to cultivate a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. Zignego’s insights remind us that care is the foundation upon which all meaningful education is built, and that by embracing care in teaching, we can create classrooms where every student feels seen, valued, and capable of success. Whether you are a new teacher seeking guidance or an experienced educator looking to deepen your practice, Transforming Teaching Through the Cycle of Care offers the inspiration and tools you need to transform your teaching through the power of care.

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9781975507220
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9781975507244
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