Shaunté Duggins, Ph.D

Director of State Initiatives

352.294.6371 • shaunte@coe.ufl.edu

Shaunté Duggins is Director of State Initiatives at the Lastinger Center, which includes the New Worlds Reading Initiative and the Florida Tutoring Advantage.

In her previous role as Associate Director of the New Worlds Reading Initiative, Shaunté led the implementation of this statewide book delivery program since its establishment in 2021. Prior to New Worlds Reading, Shaunté was senior manager of literacy initiatives. In this role, she facilitated professional development for hundreds of early learning and Pre-K-12 educators in the areas of literacy and coaching. Shaunté has been intimately involved with the Center’s Literacy Matrix program since its inception, collaboratively designing literacy content and successfully supporting educators.

Shaunté received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Florida State University and taught in inclusive high-poverty elementary schools. She has a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Teacher Leadership for School Improvement (TLSI) and a reading specialization from UF. Shaunté completed her doctoral studies in Special Education with an emphasis on early literacy and teacher education. As a former Holmes Scholar, she proudly serves as an advisor for the UF Holmes Scholars Program. Her research includes early literacy, teacher education and professional development, particularly in high-poverty schools.