Literacy & language

Reading is the master key.

I make sure every child gets one. I hold a master's in literacy, and I teach reading the way the evidence says it works — explicitly, multisensorially, one learner at a time.

M.Ed. in Literacy ESOL endorsed WIDA standards English / Español

Janessa reading one-on-one with a student on the classroom rug — where the key turns ✎

One-on-one explicit reading instruction — sound by sound, win by win ✎

Structured literacy

Orton-Gillingham, in plain terms

It's reading instruction that leaves nothing to chance: every sound and spelling pattern taught explicitly, practiced through eyes, ears, mouth, and hand until it sticks. No guessing, no "they'll pick it up eventually."

My small groups move at the learner's mastery level — we advance when the child is ready, not when the pacing guide says so.

Bilingual learners

Language is a bridge. I build it with families.

I'm ESOL-endorsed, I plan against WIDA standards, and every multilingual learner gets a personalized plan. At my last public school I designed a culturally responsive curriculum for beginning English speakers — 90% advanced a full proficiency level in one year.

And at ESOL Night, families came into the school as partners — learning alongside their children, in the language of their kitchen table. I teach in English and Spanish; nobody waits outside the glass.

hablo español — su familia es bienvenida aquí

90%

of first graders reading above district benchmarks

100%

of ESOL small groups past their stretch goals

90%

of beginning speakers advanced a full proficiency level

Every reader starts somewhere. Let's talk about yours.

Say hello See the results