Dr. Young is a Professor of Education and the Graduate Coordinator for the M.Ed. Programs in Middle School Education, Secondary School Education, and General Education; as well as the Ed.S. Programs in Curriculum and Instruction and Secondary Education. She has a doctoral degree from the University of Massachusetts Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies Department in Language, Literacy and Culture. Her research, publications and teaching focus on children's literature, diversity in education, and elementary and secondary teacher education and professional development.