UCLA Reading Expert Shervaughnna Anderson-Byrd to Lead California Reading and Literature Project

Shervaughnna Anderson-Byrd has been named Executive Director of the California Reading and Literature Project, effective June 1, 2023

Anderson-Byrd, previously the regional director of the California Reading and Literature Project at UCLA Center X, brings a deep level of expertise in literacy, language arts and educational leadership, and a long history in working with the California Subject Matter Projects to her new role.

“I am honored to have been selected to serve as the new executive director for a project that has had such an influence in making me the educator I am today,” Anderson-Bryd said.  “I look forward to my new role and how I might contribute to the CRLP community -- working together to achieve our shared vision as a community of courageous educators transforming literacy practices to achieve equity for a socially just world.”

A literacy expert and equity advocate, Anderson-Byrd currently serves as a member of the English Language Arts/English Language Development (ELA/ELD) framework for the California Schools K-12 Committee and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Reading Expert Group. She is also a member of the Long Beach Unified School District Equity Leadership Team and the Black Student Achievement Initiative advisory board.  

Prior to joining UCLA, Anderson-Byrd was a K-12 English Language Arts consultant for the Los Angeles County Office of Education. A former teacher, coach, and site and district-level administrator, she has extensive knowledge of instructional coaching and is experienced in establishing and nurturing professional learning communities.  Additionally, she has served on California state committees concerning English Language Arts, English Language Learners, and instructional practices for African American students.

The California Reading and Literature Project (CRLP) provides transformative professional learning in reading and literacy. CRLP professional learning efforts position educators as learners and leaders to ensure every California student receives high-quality, comprehensive literacy instruction. CRLP intends that all California students complete high school as broadly literate individuals prepared for success in higher education, the workforce and civic life in the 21st century. Working across nine regional centers in California, CRLP actively develops teacher leaders to collaborate with university faculty and researchers to develop CRLP’s professional learning content. All CRLP programs are aligned with California’s ELA/ELD Framework. CRLP establishes partnerships with schools and districts to provide TK–12 teachers with comprehensive, high-quality professional learning for teaching reading, subject literacy and academic language. The California Reading and Literature Project is housed at the CREATE Center at UC San Diego.