Dr. Yaden earned his Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma and began a distinguished academic career that included faculty appointments at Emory University, the University of Houston, and the University of Southern California. In 2005, he joined the University of Arizona College of Education as a Professor of Language, Reading, and Culture—a position he held with distinction for two decades.
Throughout his tenure at the university, Dr. Yaden was a committed teacher, prolific researcher, and active contributor to the life of the college. He served on numerous committees and task forces and was a consistent advocate for early childhood education. His leadership helped shape key initiatives, including the proposal for an Early Childhood Development Center and the development of a cross-university master’s program.
His research centered on early childhood literacy, biliteracy acquisition, family literacy, and reading disabilities. As a principal investigator for the Center for the Improvement of Early Reading Achievement (CIERA), Dr. Yaden led the implementation of an early literacy curriculum for Spanish-speaking preschoolers in Los Angeles. More recently, he directed a statewide consortium evaluating Arizona’s early childhood initiative, First Things First.
At the University of Arizona, Dr. Yaden served as Co-Director of the Research Group on Child Development, Research and Policy, and Director of the Eye-Movement Miscue Analysis Laboratory. He also played a vital role in preserving and advancing the legacy of Ken and Yetta Goodman, managing the Goodman Archive housed in the University of Arizona Libraries Special Collections.
A champion of mentorship, Dr. Yaden worked closely with graduate students, encouraging their participation in high-impact research and co-authoring numerous publications and presentations. “Collaborating with David Yaden on the intersections of Vygotsky and Piaget was an intellectually enriching experience for me and my colleagues,” said Dr. Iliana Reyes. “David brought a rare blend of deep theoretical insight and a passion for mentoring graduate students, guiding them to explore the enduring relevance of these foundational thinkers. His unwavering commitment to research and education inspired both his peers and the next generation of scholars.”
Dr. Yaden’s national leadership and scholarly excellence were widely recognized. He served as President of the Literacy Research Association and co-edited the Journal of Literacy Research. In 2022, he was named the Jewell M. Lewis Distinguished Professor in Literacy, an honor reflecting his deep and lasting contributions to literacy education.
His publications include foundational reviews in leading academic handbooks, addressing topics such as emergent literacy, family literacy, bilingualism, and research methodologies in early childhood education. His scholarship consistently centered on improving literacy outcomes for children from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds.