Eric Junco, Ed.D.

Director for Academic Cultivation and Engagement
Assistant Professor

Department

• Curriculum and Instruction
• College of Education Leadership

Education

• Ed.D. Northern Illinois University
• M.A.T. Earlham College
• B.A. Augustana College

Research Interests

Professor Eric Junco's scholarship explores the intersections of social justice pedagogy; SEL and trauma-informed practices; AI-literacy; culturally responsive pedagogy; and teacher preparation. As director for Academic Cultivation and Engagement in the College of Education, he leads initiatives that strengthen faculty, staff and student engagement through community-based research, inclusive practices and equity-driven professional learning. He also facilitates the Dr. LaVerne Gyant Mentoring Program, which connects BIPOC students with alumni mentors to cultivate professional belonging and leadership. An incoming co-editor of the Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, Professor Junco's work spans literacy, inclusive pedagogies and AI-enhanced inquiry.

Book Chapters

• Junco, E., Ahn, H., Blake, S., Elish-Piper, L., Amanova, C., (In Press) Leveraging Community Capital: PLEDGE as a Model for Equitable and Inclusive Teacher Preparation, Research as Activism in Education: Community-Oriented Perspectives. Journal of Culture and Values in Education.
• Pasley, M., Miranda, G. and Junco, E. (2025). Culturally responsive teaching practices to support students with visual impairments. In J. P. Bakken (Ed.), Handbook for Educating Students with Disabilities: Implications and Strategies. Springer Nature Publishing.

Recent Publications

• Junco, E., Vaughn, R., Karimova, G. and Duffy, M. (2023). Constructivist Learning Practices & Culturally Responsive Teaching: A Post-Secondary Developmental Literacy Program's Multimodal Response to the Pandemic. İmtiyaz Sahibi, 93.
• Junco, E., Comacho, O. (2022) “Social and Emotional Learning, Trauma-Sensitive Classroom Practices, and Tools to Promote Culturally Responsive Family Engagement” - Illinois Reading Council
• Elish-Piper, L., Junco, E. (2022) “Increasing Family Engagement with Literacy Based Trauma - Informed Practice” - Illinois Reading Council Journal
• Wickens, C. and Junco, E., (2021) “Every Person Is a Possibility”: A Post-Postmodern Analysis of LGBTQ Young Adult Novel Every Day - Children's Literature Association Quarterly

Recent Presentations

• Junco, E. (2025) Toward A More Equitable and Just Future: Investigating the Impact of Becoming a Teacher - Northern Illinois University. DeKalb, Illinois
• Junco, E., Dwomoh, R, Bonilla, D. (2025) Disciplinary Literacy & Active Learning Strategies with AI Tools., DeKalb School District, DeKalb, Illinois
• Junco, E., Earick, M. (2025) Building Strong Foundations: SEL Competencies & Daily Practices for North Macedonian Classrooms. University of Tetova, Tetova, North Macedonia
• Junco, E. and Bailey, L (2025) Civic Engagement Activities on the Environment and Society. Illinois Council for Social Studies. Palatine, Illinois
• Junco, E. Manderino, M., and Flynn, J. (2025) Street Data, Stronger Futures: Using Activist Research to Recruit and Retain Black and Brown Educators. Brother's Teaching Initiative - University of Illinois Chicago. Chicago, Illinois
• Junco, E. (2025) Why Belonging, Why Now? The Science Behind Belonging, and How to Nurture it for Students, Faculty, and Staff. Northern Illinois University. DeKalb, Illinois
• Junco, E., Nieto., D, Blake, S. (2025) Building a Pipeline for Change: How PLEDGE Serves as a Model for Latinx Recruitment and Retention in Teacher Education. Brother's Teaching Initiative - University of Illinois Chicago. Chicago, Illinois
• Gordon, R., Junco, E. (2025) Faculty Search Training - Equity Advocates., Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois
• Dugas, D., Junco, E. (2025) Conversations on Diversity and Equity (CODE): Frameworks for Interrupting Bias. Northern Illinois University. DeKalb, Illinois
• Junco, E., Dwomoh, R, Bonilla, D. and Miller, J. (2025) Swift Scaffolds: Leveraging AI to Develop Evidence-Based Writing Models, Activities, and Lessons. DeKalb School District, DeKalb, Illinois
• Junco, E., (2025) AI Enhanced Culturally Responsive Teaching Workshop. Kishwaukee Community College. Malta, Illinois
• Dugas, D., Junco, E. (2025) Conversations on Diversity and Equity (CODE): Examining Systemic Racism. Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois
• Junco, E., Dwomoh, R, Bonilla, D. (2025) Hands-On Inquiry for CER Writing That Sticks. DeKalb School District, DeKalb., Illinois
• Junco, E. (2025) Why Belonging? Why Now? Cultivating Belonging in Community Colleges. Kishwaukee Community College. Malta, Illinois
• Junco, E. (2025). Interrupting Bias & Cultivating Belonging: Creating a School Where Every Student Belongs. Harlem High School Keynote. Machesney Park, Illinois
• Junco, E., Lowe, C., Curran, J. (2025). Cultivating Belonging Through Wise Feedback. Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois

Courses Taught

• TLEE 344: Teaching Science Methods
• TLCI 550: Classroom Management for Elementary Educators
• TLEE:492: Educators for Community Engagement and Cultural Competence
• TLEE:490: Communities of Care: SEL, Trauma-Awareness and Community-Connected Teaching
• LTCY 720: Social Justice Pedagogy in Literacy Instruction
• LTRE 511/311: Content Area Literacy Instruction (middle and secondary)
• TLA 543: Writing in Elementary School
• TLCI 505: Site-based Curriculum
• TLCI 512: Creating Learning Communities
• LTRE 500: Improvement of Reading in Elementary and Middle Schools
• LTRE 190: College Reading and Study Strategies