Nationwide Literacy Community Mourns the Loss of Dr. Kylene Beers, Pioneering Educator and Mentor

It is with deep sorrow and profound respect that the literacy community, educators across the country, and thousands of former students mourn the loss of Dr. Kylene Beers, a trailblazing educator, beloved mentor, and tireless advocate for children’s literacy. Dr. Beers passed away peacefully at her home in Waco, Texas, on June 20, 2025, following a courageous three-month battle with glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive form of brain cancer. She was surrounded by her family and close friends, who remained by her side with love and support throughout her final days.

Dr. Beers leaves behind an extraordinary legacy defined by innovation in literacy education, compassion in teaching, and a lifelong commitment to ensuring that every child—not just the confident reader, but the struggling learner too—had a voice in the classroom. Her passing marks the end of an era for the world of English Language Arts education, but her work and influence will continue to inspire generations to come.

Born with an innate curiosity and an early love for language, Kylene Beers began her journey as a middle school teacher, where she quickly became known for her empathy, insight, and an uncanny ability to connect with students others had given up on. That classroom experience laid the foundation for a career that would span decades and transform the landscape of literacy instruction.

She earned her doctoral degree in reading education and became a leading researcher, prolific author, and highly sought-after speaker. But it was not the accolades that defined her—it was her deep commitment to students and her unwavering belief that every child deserves the opportunity to discover the joy and power of reading.

Dr. Beers served as President of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) from 2008 to 2009, during which she championed equity in literacy instruction and advocated for policies that put students’ needs first. Her presidency marked a time of renewed focus on the intersection of research and classroom practice, and her influence continues to shape the organization’s direction to this day.

Perhaps best known for her groundbreaking books When Kids Can’t Read: What Teachers Can Do and Notice and Note: Strategies for Close Reading (co-authored with Robert E. Probst), Dr. Beers provided generations of educators with practical, research-backed strategies to support struggling readers. These works became staples in teacher education programs and professional development workshops across the nation. Her writing was not only academically rigorous but also infused with warmth, empathy, and respect for both teachers and students.

In her more recent years, she co-led the Notice and Note Literacy Retreats and contributed to the Literacy in Action initiative, continuing to offer professional learning experiences for teachers at every level. She was also a frequent keynote speaker at national and international education conferences, where her message—always heartfelt, often humorous, and consistently profound—resonated with audiences of thousands.

Dr. Beers mentored countless educators, many of whom credit her with inspiring their careers. She had the rare gift of making everyone feel seen, valued, and capable of doing meaningful work. Her mentorship went far beyond the professional—she was known for her handwritten notes of encouragement, her generous spirit, and her unwavering belief in the power of community.

Outside of her professional achievements, Kylene was known for her deep love for her family, her enduring friendships, and her quiet acts of kindness. Her home in Waco was a sanctuary of books, conversation, and welcome—a space where ideas were shared freely and laughter was always close by.

Her loss is deeply felt by her husband, Dr. Donald Beers, their children and grandchildren, her colleagues and collaborators, and the legions of students and teachers whose lives were transformed by her work. In accordance with her wishes, a private memorial service will be held for close family and friends, with plans for a larger public celebration of her life and legacy to be announced in the coming weeks.

In honor of Dr. Beers’s enduring contributions, the National Council of Teachers of English has announced the establishment of the Dr. Kylene Beers Legacy Fund, dedicated to supporting literacy research and classroom innovation for underserved communities. It is a fitting tribute to a woman who dedicated her life to making reading not only possible but meaningful for every child.

Though her voice may now be silent, Dr. Kylene Beers’s legacy echoes loudly in every classroom where a teacher encourages a hesitant reader, in every workshop where educators rethink their practices, and in every book opened with wonder by a child who once thought reading was not for them.

Rest in peace, Dr. Beers. You taught us all not only how to read more closely, but how to care more deeply.