Donna Clarke brings extensive expertise in adult literacy to her role as Lead of the Literacy Centre of Expertise at TIES (The Immigrant Education Society) in Calgary. She is a passionate advocate for adult learners developing foundational literacy skills—many for the first time—and is committed to ensuring they receive the support, resources, and instruction they need to thrive.

After earning her Bachelor of Education from McGill University, Donna taught in both the Bronx, New York, and Taiwan. These international teaching experiences helped shape her understanding of language acquisition and learner resilience. She joined TIES in 2009 and played an instrumental role in establishing its Literacy Department. Since then, she has taught all literacy levels, served as a PBLA and Literacy Lead, presented at numerous conferences, and contributed to a team that creates dedicated literacy resources for the community at large.

Donna believes literacy is more than a skill—it’s a bridge to confidence, community, and opportunity. Her passion comes from the exceptional students she has had the privilege of knowing and sharing her days with. Her work at the Literacy Centre of Expertise is driven by a tenacity to create lasting change and inspire others to join in building a supportive, nationwide community for literacy instructors and learners. She is known for her collaborative spirit and believes in building strong, cross-sector partnerships to advance literacy support nationwide. Her contributions to the field were nationally recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, a testament to the lasting impact of her work and the collective efforts of her team.