Sylvia R. Cadena Smith, Ed.D., M.S., B.S.

Sylvia Cadena Smith earned her Doctorate in Instructional Technology, Master of Science in Curriculum and Supervision, and Bachelor of Science in Special Education. Her areas of expertise include reading, instructional design, curriculum development, e-learning, technological integration and assessment and evaluation. Dr. Smith has written and taught graduate Reading/Literacy [including English Language Learner (ELL)] courses and Educational Administration courses for Benedictine University, Instructional Design for Northern Illinois University’s Instructional Technology Graduate Program, guest-lectured at Northwestern University and has published several articles in the areas of assessment and evaluation. Her corporate experience as Director and Vice President for an international technology company includes the management of the Chicago offices and design of efficient processes and procedures for the development of e-learning programs for companies such as Sears, GM, Chrysler and Prudential Insurance.

Dr. Smith’s professional experience in the field of education includes:

The research, design and development of:

The See-N-Read®, MemoryMark™ and eSee-N-Read™ Reading Tools
Graduate reading/literacy programs (including both general and ELL reading courses) in both traditional and electronic formats
Graduate educational administration programs in both traditional and electronic formats
Teacher training and student coursework accessible through Blackboard and Desire2Learn online LMS (learning management system) platforms
School district technology plans and training programs
Successful grant writing projects including grants that meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind and Reading First for public and private educational institutions in Illinois and Texas

Consultant expertise in the areas of:

Reading
Instructional technology and integration
Online and “blended” (classroom/online combination) instruction; e-learning
Assessment and evaluation
Evaluation/feedback for textbook usage
Organizational development

Community Involvement includes:

Member and Vice President for Programming for the Board of Directors of Giant Steps Illinois, Inc., School for Autistic Children; Member – Alumni Board, College of Education at Northern Illinois University; Panelist, Dare to Dream, an organization that encourages higher education for minority young women; Panelist, Northern Illinois University’s Community Learning Series ( http://www.niutoday.info/2013/02/18/college-of-ed-alums-to-talk-about-career-success-in-public-schools-entrepreneurship-medicine/ )