A PROFESSOR at a Reading institution has been awarded an OBE as part of the King’s Birthday Honours.
Professor Rhona Steinthorp of the University of Reading’s Institute of Education was among those named in the annual list of honours.
Professor Stainthorp is an expert in reading development, having worked in education research and policy, including authoring more than 100 books on reading development.
She has advocated for a research-informed reading instruction program focused on the importance of systemic use of synthetic phonics.
She has also advised policymakers and practitioners on evidence-based reading instruction, having served on the advisory group for the phonics screening check which was introduced in England in 2012.
In that role, she helped to shape teacher training and professional development.
Besides that she has also advised media producers on supporting literacy through content, including at the BBC, as well as acting as one of the University Orators for graduations at the university.
Professor Stainthorp said the honour was: “totally unexpected.
“I have spent the majority of my working life at the University of Reading and before that at Bulmershe College of Higher Education which merged with the University in 1989.
“The opportunities the University has given me for engaging in applied research into the learning and teaching of reading and writing have been immeasurable.”
She explained: “Research is always a joint enterprise and I have been privileged to work with formidable colleagues in Reading and across the world.
“It has been humbling to see our work influencing the effective teaching of literacy in this country.
“This award recognises how important it is that research into learning and teaching of literacy continues to be supported so that the life chances of children are enhanced.”
Professor Stainthorp joins Mark Foulkes, who set up the acute oncology service at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Dr Simon Bachelor, director of Gamos Ltd, and Andrea Wood, who refor her work with Reading’s New Directions in the wake of the covid pandemic.
