Dr. Ruth Jefferson holds many teaching and administrative certifications, most notably in the areas of reading, learning disabilities, mild disabilities, elementary education, and special education administration. She has extensive experience in PreK-12 education, both in teaching and in administration, and discovered early in her career a passion for helping reluctant readers become avid ones. Dr. Jefferson led the High Riding Art and Equestrian Camp for children with disabilities for seven years. She is currently an Associate Professor at Ball State University, working with inservice and future teachers and has conducted research primarily in the areas of Response to Intervention (RTI), evidence-based practices in reading, at-risk youth, and higher education/community engagement. Dr. Jefferson and Dr. Michael Shaffer recently published a book on engaging boys in learning to read: From Pushups to Angels’ Wings: Great Things Happen When Boys Read.