Deaths: William H. ‘Bill’ Teale

William H. “Bill” Teale, a faculty member in the College of Education for 23 years, died suddenly Feb. 3 in his home in Evanston. He was 70.

Teale, a University Scholar, administrator and researcher, joined UIC as professor of reading, writing, and literacy (now language, literacies, and learning) and director of the UIC Reading Clinic in 1995.

Since that time, Teale has served as chair of curriculum and instruction department and coordinator of the language, literacies and learning program. His most recent administrative appointment was director of the Center for Literacy, an appointment that he held since 2013.

“Professor Teale was a towering figure in the national and international literacy community,” said Alfred Tatum, dean of the College of Education. “He will be missed dearly by faculty, staff, students and community members who had the pleasure of being touched by his scholarship, mentorship and friendship.”

Outside of UIC, he served in many roles that included chief reading advisor for Chicago Public Schools (2002-2004) and chief education officer of In2Books in Washington (2003-2004).
Teale received numerous awards and honors, including President of the International Literacy Association (2016-2017), University Scholar (2013), Reading Hall of Fame of the International Reading Association (2003) and the President’s Distinguished Achievement Award for Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio (1995).

Teale’s work focused on early literacy learning, the intersection of technology and literacy education, and children’s literature. In the area of early childhood education, Teale collaborated with schools and libraries across the country, and with organizations such as Children’s Television Workshop, RIF, the Council of Chief State School Officers, and Reach Out and Read. Bill also served as editor of Language Arts (1990-1997) and the Illinois Reading Council Journal (1998-2004).

Most recently, Teale led the Center for Literacy, which provides community-based services to families of Head Start Children and conducts research on various aspects of early language and literacy development.

He received his doctoral degree in reading education and English education from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Junko Yokota, and two children, Alyssa and Jeremy, among other family members and friends.

A celebration of life will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd., Skokie.