Susan Rutledge, PhD

Dr. Susan Morris-Rutledge is Professor of Education at Pennsylvania Western University – California. With a focus on teaching English as a second language (ESL), she researches school personnel attitudes and perceptions toward English language learner (ELL) inclusion and advocates for better educator preparation in preK-12 settings. Dr. Morris-Rutledge coordinates the ESL specialist teacher program at her university, where she also teaches required ESL courses for all education certification areas. She has worked at the PennWest California campus for over a decade, beginning her tenure in 2011.

In addition to her academic career, Dr. Morris-Rutledge served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 11 years. Her service included two separate enlistments, from 1992-1998 and 2001-2006. During her deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, she served as a Specialist (E-4) in the Chemical Corps and earned the Army Commendation Medal for her contributions. Her military background, combined with her academic pursuits, underscores her commitment to service and leadership.

She has been recognized with several honors, including the 2016 TESOL Top 30 Up-and-Coming Researchers award, the 2016 Dr. Caryl Sheffield Faculty Excellence Award, and the 2019 Faculty Professional Development Award at her institution, and the PennWest 2022 Person of the Year Award. In March 2023, she was named to the Pennsylvania Western University Presidential Commission on Veteran and Military Affairs, further exemplifying her dedication to supporting military and veteran communities.

Dr. Morris-Rutledge’s passion for language is reflected in her teaching and research, as she embraces learning about, through, and for language.