SMART Reading
Stephen Swidler is an experienced educator and program manager with a diverse background in teaching, curriculum development, and grant writing. Currently serving as Program Manager at SMART Reading since January 2022, Stephen previously held roles as Grant Writer and Consultant at Teachers Development Group and Social Purpose Works, providing pro bono support to non-profits. Notable contributions include advising on Climate Change curriculum at Presidio Graduate School and serving as Principal of the Alternative School at De Paul Treatment Centers. With a long academic career at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, including roles as Professor in the College of Education and Human Sciences, Stephen holds a PhD in Curriculum, Teaching, Educational Policy, and Teacher Education from Michigan State University, an MSW from the University of Michigan, and a BA in Education from St. Norbert College.
SMART Reading
We envision an Oregon where every child can read and is empowered to succeed. Since 1992, SMART has been pairing caring, adult volunteers with children in need of reading support and books to take home and keep. SMART volunteers read one-on-one with students weekly during the school year, modeling a love of reading and building children’s reading skills and self-confidence in a positive, child-driven environment.