Dr Rebecca Butler
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Rebecca Butler is a highly valued member of Toucan Diversity’s Advisory Board and is currently our Interim Operations Manager. In addition to offering strategic advice and guidance, Rebecca actively supports the day-to-day work of the organisation, contributing her expertise with lived experience and time to ensure the smooth running of our operations. We’re proud to have her as part of the team.
Rebecca’s story
Dr Rebecca R. Butler BA MA Ed. D
Dr Rebecca Butler holds a BA in English Literature, an MA in Children’s Literature and a Doctorate in Education, all from the University of Roehampton. Her doctoral thesis was entitled MOTOR IMPAIRMENT IN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: PERCEPTIONS AND PEDAGOGY. She can bring the experience of her research to the board of Directors as an Advisor.
She has published articles on children’s literature in many of the main literary journals.
She has worked for twenty years as a voluntary tutor in literacy. Her pupils have always achieved improved scores in reading tests, as well as enjoying reading. Her work has always been appreciated by colleagues and by parents.
Rebecca Butler also reviews children’s books for four different journals, Armadillo, Books for Keeps, the journal of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) and the journal of the School Library Association.
Dr Butler has been a speaker at conferences organised by the National Centre for Children’s Literature, IBBY and other universities.
Dr Butler is a member of the committee of the UK branch of IBBY. Every two years IBBY runs an international competition to find the world’s best books for children with disabilities. Dr Butler has twice been the IBBY executive in charge of the UK participation in the competition, dealing with authors and publishers and ensuring the correct submission of nominated books.
Dr Butler is a fulltime wheelchair user.