Literacy Learning

Literacy for Every Learner.

Confidence for Every Reader.

I believe that literacy opens doors—not just to academic success, but to identity, voice, and lifelong learning. Through intentional, inclusive instruction, we can empower every student to see themselves as capable, confident readers and writers.

Multi-Sensory Teaching & Assessment

Understanding and addressing the unique needs of every student requires a balanced approach that integrates both formal and informal assessments, as well as multi-sensory learning strategies.

  • Use of formal and informal assessment to drive instruction
  • Data-driven instruction
  • Application of multi-sensory methods like sky writing, cursive, manipulatives, and echo reading

These approaches align with the idea that “children learn by doing it” (Mesmer, 2019), emphasizing the importance of active, hands-on learning experiences.

Mesmer, H. A. (2019). Letter lessons and first words: Phonics foundations that work. Heinemann.

Creating Joyful Readers

I believe that fostering a love for reading is one of the most powerful gifts an educator can give to students.

  • Student-centered reading practices
  • Culturally responsive literacy (Mirrors & Windows, Gholdy Muhammad)
  • Digital book sampling, peer reading, literature circles

As Peter Johnston reminds us in Choice Words, when students engage in conversations about books, they begin to see themselves as readers — building confidence, joy, and a lifelong love of literacy.”

Johnston, Peter H. Choice Words: How Our Language Affects Children’s Learning. Portland, ME: Stenhouse Publishers, 2004.

Access, Agency & Advocacy in Dyslexia Instruction

When students with dyslexia are provided with appropriate reading accommodations, they are more likely to develop a sense of agency in their learning.

  • Empowering students through reading accommodations
  • Use of assistive technology: Learning Ally, TTS
  • Family-school collaboration

Audio support helps dyslexic students move past decoding struggles, leading to stronger comprehension and greater confidence (Knoop-van-Campen et al., 2022).

Knoop-van Campen, C. A. N., ter Doest, D., Verhoeven, L., & Segers, E. (2022). The effect of audio-support on strategy, time, and performance on reading comprehension in secondary school students with dyslexia. Annals of Dyslexia, 72(3), 341-360. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11881-021-00246-w