In this year's Distinguished Educator department, we feature six educators whose research has focused on the role of early literacy in early childhood education. Each of the six addresses a vitally important aspect of early childhood literacy teaching and learning. Sections include: "Working with Families as Partners in Early Literacy," by Dorothy S. Strickland; "Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Literacy Instruction," by Lesley Mandel Morrow; "The Effect of Print-Rich Classroom Environments on Early Literacy Growth," by Susan B. Neuman; "Early Literacy Assessment-Thoughtful, Sensible, and Good," by Kathleen Roskos; "A Framework and Suggested Guidelines for Prekindergarten Content Standards," by Judith A. Schickendanz; "In Search of Highly Qualified Early Childhood Classroom Literacy Teachers," by Carol Vukelich.