David Coker

Professor

Dr. David Coker is a professor in the School of Education at UD and teaches courses on writing and reading instruction. His research focuses on issues that are central to advancing writing research and improving writing instruction in schools that serve low-income students. These topics include early writing assessment, writing development, and effective approaches to writing instruction. Recently, he served as PI of an IES Exploration Goal project investigating writing instruction and student outcomes in first grade.

Educational Background

• Ed.D., Language and Literacy, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 2004
• Ed.M, Language and Literacy, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 1999
• B.A., English, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 1993

Professional Experience

• Professor, School of Education, University of Delaware, 2019–present
• Associate Professor, School of Education, University of Delaware, 2010–present
• Assistant Professor, School of Education,  University of Delaware, 2004–2010

Recent Grants

• Coker, D. (PI), MacArthur, C. and Farley-Ripple, E. (co-PIs). Investigating the Impact of Classroom Instruction and Literacy Skills on Writing Achievement in Elementary Schools (R305A110484). US Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, Education Research, Development and Dissemination, 2011–2015. ($1,496,813.00)
• Mouza, C. (PI), Brickhouse, N. and Coker, D. (co-PIs). State of Delaware Title II Grant, 2009. ($224,000)

Recent Professional Awards

• Dean’s Research Award, College of Education and Human Development, University of Delaware, 2014
• Nominated for Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Delaware, 2005