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Dr. Tanya Wilson-Thevanesan
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Dr. Tanya Wilson-Thevanesan

Deputy Superintendent for School Improvement and Community Engagement at Fairport Central School District

 

 

"You know who loves to read? Kids that can read. We have to teach them how to read. That's joyful. And I see it every day when I enter a K-5 classroom in my district. It is so exciting!"

In this episode, we dive deep into transforming reading instruction with Dr. Tanya Wilson-Thavenason, Deputy Superintendent for School Improvement and Community Engagement at Fairport Central School District. Discover how Dr. Wilson-Thavenason, an equity-driven leader, uses her passion for literacy and community engagement to revolutionize reading education, tackling challenges from foundational changes in instructional approaches to the nuances of family involvement in literacy.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Transformation Through Literacy:Dr. Tanya's journey from turning around a school with a 0% ELA proficiency rate to fostering district-wide reading success is a testament to the power of focused, research-based literacy programs. 

  2. Importance of Family and Community Engagement: Insights into how empowering families and leveraging community resources can significantly enhance the literacy journey for students.

  3. Evidence-Based Instructional Practices:The shift to a robust science of reading approach in Fairport Central School District illustrates the effectiveness of structured, phonics-based instruction.

  4. Leadership in Literacy:The role of leadership in advocating for and implementing research-driven, equitable educational practices that address all students' needs, especially those historically marginalized.

  5. Future of Literacy Education:The ongoing challenges and opportunities within literacy education emphasize the need for continual adaptation and research-based approaches.


Important Timestamps:

  • 00:00 Introduction of Dr. Tanya Wilson-Thavenason

  • 04:37 Dr. Tanya's literacy-focused leadership in elementary and middle schools

  • 10:17 Current initiatives in Fairport Central School District to improve literacy instruction

  • 19:46 The integral role of writing in learning to read

  • 25:14 Advice for district leaders on implementing effective literacy programs

 

 

Connect with Dr. Tanya Wilson-Thevanesan

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Science of Reading Resources

Accelerate reading achievement with over 700+ decodables mapped to a rigorous phonics progression in English and Spanish: www.JustRightReader.com


Meet Our Co-Hosts

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Dr. Christy Lamb

Director of Partnerships | Just Right Reader

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Dr. Christy Lamb is a Director of Partnerships with Just Right Reader. She has served as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, and principal in public schools in the Kansas City, MO area. She has also worked with Marzano Research in education improvement, serving districts across the country in literacy and leadership. Christy is passionate about supporting building leaders through her co-hosted podcast and platform, The Modern Principal. Having the opportunity to talk to researchers and district leaders on The Science of Reading Leadership Podcast merges her passions of literacy, leadership, and developing others.

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Terri K. Hunt, M.Ed.

Impact Manager | Just Right Reader

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Terri K. Hunt, M.Ed. creates content for students and teachers that is both diverse and engaging. Her mission as a professional is to teach well and lead the way. At her core, Terri is a teacher who takes great pride in the role she plays in the life of every learner. With over 20 years of experience in education, Terri has engaged a wide range of learners from the elementary classroom to the professional development of instructional leaders. Terri obtained her undergraduate degree in education from Oakwood University (formerly Oakwood College) and her graduate degree in educational psychology from the University of Georgia. She holds a gifted endorsement as well as a reading certification.