Lynch School of Education and Human Development Assistant Professor Jon Wargo is one of two recipients of the 2020 Divergent Award for Excellence in 21st Century Literacies Research.
Jon Wargo
The award was established by the Initiative for 21st Century Literacies Research in 2016 to recognize contributions by educators and scholars who have dedicated their careers to the field. Wargo will be honored during "Research Week" of the 21st Century Literacies Lecture Series next February at Oklahoma State University-Stillwater.
In announcing the award, Shelbie Witte, founding director of the initiative, said Wargo was chosen for the award for his innovation in research and "dedication to both theoretical and practical study of literacies in the 21st century.”
Wargo, who teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in digital literacies, qualitative research methods, and arts-based inquiry, studies how historically marginalized children and youth use literacy and technology to design more just social futures. He has published his findings in publications including the Journal of Literacy Research; Voices from the Middle; Qualitative Inquiry; New Media & Society; Learning, Media & Technology; and Language Arts.
A former Denver Public Schools teacher, he earned a bachelor of arts degree in English and gender studies from Indiana University-Bloomington and a doctorate in curriculum, instruction, and teacher education from Michigan State University.
Established by teachers and educators, the Initiative for 21st Century Literacies Research focuses on the interest and expertise related to the field at a time when school reform efforts recognize literacies as a common thread in successful personal, civic, and economic life.
–Phil Gloudemans | University Communications | July 2019