Ernest Morrell, an honored member of the International Literacy Association (ILA), passed away on February 6.

Throughout his distinguished career, Ernest dedicated himself to advancing powerful, equitable literacies for all learners. A recognized authority in literacy, critical pedagogy, and the intersections of popular culture and learning, he served as the director of the Notre Dame Center for Literacy Education and associate dean for the humanities and equity in the College of Arts and Letters. His work was rooted in the belief that literacy is not merely a set of skills, but a force for human dignity and transformation.

Ernest’s influence was felt far beyond Notre Dame. At ILA, he provided leadership as an inaugural member of the Literacy Research Panel, serving a three-year term between 2015 and 2018. He was a featured speaker at the 2012 annual conference, and in 2020, Ernest led a Learning Lab at ILA Next, exploring the issues that arise when students have an uncritical reading of media. He also published numerous articles across all three of ILA’s journals, exemplifying his dedication to academic research.

“Ernest Morrell’s contributions to the International Literacy Association are rooted in research leadership, helping guide professional literacy knowledge and practice that ripple throughout ILA’s global membership and resources,” remarked Dana Robertson, President of the ILA Board of Directors. “His presence will be truly missed.”

A prolific author, Ernest wrote and edited more than 100 articles, research briefs, and book chapters, as well as 15 influential books. His works—including Educating Harlem: A Century of Schooling and Resistance in a Black Community and Critical Media Pedagogy: Teaching for Achievement in City Schools—challenged educators to embrace culturally sustaining engaged literacies that honor students’ lived experiences.

Ernest also served as an emeritus board member of LitWorld and was a past president of the National Council of Teachers (NCTE). Most recently, he was an elected member of the National Academy of Education and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, honors that recognized Ernest’s exceptional scholarship and impact on education policy and practice.

Ernest’s peers admired not just his scholarship, but his generosity of spirit, his mentorship of emerging educators, and his unwavering commitment to uplifting every voice in the classroom.

“Ernest Morrell’s scholarship in literacy and critical pedagogies raised up the voices of children so their brilliance could shine,” shared Danielle Dennis, Vice President of the ILA Board of Directors. “A scholar of the highest caliber, his scholarship always focused on classrooms and the children within them.”

Ernest’s legacy will continue to shape the work of educators, scholars, and students for generations to come. As we grieve his passing, we also celebrate a life that lifted up so many voices, broadened the horizons of literacy education, and reminded us that teaching—at its best—is an act of love and possibility.

We extend our deepest condolences to Ernest’s family, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives were enriched by his extraordinary contributions to education. Though he is gone, his vision for meaningful, equitable literacy will endure.

If you would like to share a personal remembrance of Ernest, please email social@reading.org.