J. Helen Perkins is a professor of literacy at the University of Memphis in Tennessee. She is a former reading/literacy specialist, classroom teacher, and literacy coach. As an advocate for children, Helen is a member of local organizations that advocate for children via providing literacy support and resources to the largest school district in Tennessee.
She has served on several ILA committees. Most notably, she has served as coeditor of The Reading Teacher and as a lead writer for the Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals 2017. In addition, she presently serves as the ILA National Recognition Commission chair and the Anti-Racism, Social Justice & Equity Committee cochair. She is also the advisor to the University of Memphis Student Chapter of the Literacy Association of Tennessee. Helen has served as PI and Co-PI on more than $16 million in grants and contracts. She served as the president of the Association of Literacy Researchers and Educators and on the NGO Porter-Leath Board of Directors as a member and chair.
Her scholarly work focuses on all children of poverty and their literacy acquisition and enhancement, including promising practices; she has coauthored a book, several articles in leading journals, and book chapters. She has conducted numerous hours of professional development with educators.