Rose F. Spicola Biography

Rose Spicola, PhD: A pioneer in literacy education

Rose Spicola was an educator, researcher and mentor whose 30-year career at Texas Woman’s University shaped literacy and early childhood education. She joined TWU in 1966 with a passion for innovative teaching and student success and left a legacy that inspires educators today. Spicola was a cornerstone of literacy programs at TWU, emphasizing joy of learning, research-based literacy practices, and mentorship.

Her influence continues today through the Rose F. Spicola Forum in Literacy, an annual event she co-founded. 

Early life and education

Born in Tampa into a Sicilian immigrant family that valued education and community, Spicola taught herself to read before starting school and often gathered her siblings, cousins and neighbors to share stories and lessons on her family’s porch. Her love for learning propelled her through Hillsborough High School and into higher education.

Spicola earned her bachelor’s degree at Florida State College for Women (now Florida State University), briefly studied science at Tulane University, and later returned to FSU for her master’s and doctoral degrees. Her master’s focused on education and psychology, while her doctorate specialized in reading and early childhood education — fields that would define her career.

Her mother, Lillian Rizzo Spicola, played a crucial role in shaping her educational path. As a young immigrant, Lillian spoke little English when she entered school in Ybor City, Fla., but a dedicated first-grade teacher helped her learn to read. That story inspired Spicola to later establish the Lillian Rizzo Spicola Doctoral Scholarship at TWU to support aspiring educators.

From elementary classrooms to higher education

Spicola began her teaching career in Tampa, where she taught fourth grade. Even before completing her degrees, she had a natural talent for engaging students, using small groups, arts integration, and student-led plays to make learning dynamic. Her innovative approach impressed supervisors, who noted her ability to manage large classes, including students with disciplinary challenges.

Encouraged by mentors at FSU, she transitioned to higher education, teaching at Longwood College in Virginia before joining TWU in 1966 as an associate professor. Her dissertation on self-concept and reading scores deepened her expertise, and her time teaching remedial reading at the University of South Florida reinforced her commitment to graduate education.

Advancing literacy education at TWU

At TWU, Spicola played a key role in developing doctoral programs in reading and early childhood education. She worked closely with colleagues like Margaret Griffin, EdD, to design research-based curricula that emphasized real-world teaching experience. Rather than relying on traditional lectures, she took students into classrooms, a hands-on method that became a TWU hallmark.

A prolific scholar, Spicola authored more than 60 works, including Alice Chipman Dewey (1983), which explored the educational influence of John Dewey’s wife, and The Life of Charlie Spicola, a tribute to her father’s stories. In her 1989 commencement address, Voices, she wove together her life’s influences — family, teachers and students — into a powerful reflection on the meaning of education.

She fostered a culture of collaboration and innovation as a department chair to ensure TWU’s programs remained at the forefront of literacy education.

The Rose F. Spicola Forum in Reading, now Literacy

In 1966, Spicola and Griffin co-founded the Fall Forum in Reading, an event designed to bring educators and scholars together to advance literacy instruction. It quickly became a cornerstone of TWU’s literacy outreach, providing a platform for discussing new research and effective teaching strategies.

In 1996, the event was renamed the Rose F. Spicola Forum in Reading (now Literacy) in recognition of her contributions. The forum continues to inspire educators, featuring guest lecturers and workshops that promote evidence-based literacy practices.

Reflecting on the honor, Spicola said, “It was a marvelous feeling to think that yes, you have made a difference.” Yet, in her characteristic humility, she continued on to acknowledge many others who shaped TWU’s success.

International impact and Fulbright Scholarship

Spicola’s influence extended beyond the United States. As a Fulbright Scholar, she spent a year teaching in Africa, gaining firsthand knowledge of global literacy challenges. She shared these insights with TWU students and local organizations like the American Association of University Women (AAUW), often wearing traditional African attire to bring her experiences to life.

Her international work also included educational trips to New Zealand, Australia and England, where she and her students studied cutting edge teaching models. 

Legacy and recognition

Spicola’s contributions earned her numerous honors, including the Cornaro Professor Award, the North Texas Federation Award (1983), and the Faculty Research Award (1983). Yet, she cared more about the impact of her work than accolades. For instance, the Rose F. Spicola Forum in Literacy continues to advance literacy education, while the Lillian Rizzo Spicola Doctoral Scholarship supports future scholars in her mother’s memory.

Her outreach extended beyond TWU, with summer workshops featuring renowned experts, off-campus courses in Fort Worth and Dallas, and advocacy for programs like Reading Recovery. As chair of the Texas Council’s Intellectual Freedom Committee in 1987, she fought censorship and championed diverse perspectives in education.

Spicola’s journey — from teaching on her front porch in Tampa to shaping literacy education at TWU — was driven by her belief that learning should inspire and empower. Through innovative teaching, global outreach, and dedicated mentorship, she left a profound impact on education.

The Rose F. Spicola Forum in Literacy remains a testament to her vision, ensuring that her voice continues to guide future educators. 

Spicola once said, “I was born to be a teacher from the time I was born.”

Page last updated 12:05 AM, March 21, 2025