About Us

The Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI) seeks to further evidence-based approaches to reading and learning so that all students acquire the highest levels of literacy and thrive. CERI fulfills its mission by offering certification to teachers and reading interventionists that affirms their knowledge and skills in teaching literacy using a structured approach to language. CERI also accredits university and independent training programs that provide teacher preparation in structured literacy and language. CERI is an independent 501 (c) (6) organization founded by the IDA.
Thomas G. Bordenkircher
President, Board of Directors

State Director for the Georgia Teaching Fellowship Program at the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation

Emily Binks-Cantrell
Member, Board of Directors

Clinical Assistant Professor of Reading and Language Arts Education, Reading and Language Arts Program Area Coordinator and Director of the Reading Clinic at Texas A&M University

Martha Hougen
Member, Board of Directors

Martha “Marty” Hougen, Ph.D., works with the Collaboration for Effective Educator Development, Accountability, and Reform Center (CEEDAR Center) at the University of Florida

Louise Spear-Swerling
Vice President, Board of Directors

Professor of Special Education and Area Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Learning Disabilities at Southern Connecticut State University

Erin Washburn
Member, Board of Directors

Assistant Professor of Literacy Education in the Graduate School of Education at Binghamton University

Larry Orrach
Treasurer, Board of Directors

Retired Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Technology for North Olmsted Schools, Cleveland, Ohio

Paul Carbonneau
Member, Board of Directors

Partner at McKinsey & Company