Shaunté Duggins, PhD

Associate Director, New Worlds Reading Initiative

352.294.6371 • shaunte@coe.ufl.edu

Shaunté Duggins is the associate director for the New Worlds Reading Initiative at the Lastinger Center for Learning. As associate director, Shaunté manages all aspects of the statewide book distribution program, including recruitment and enrollment, book selection and distribution, family engagement resource development, district and community partnerships and corporate tax contributions. 

In her previous role as senior manager of literacy initiatives, Shaunté 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.