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Tracie Bergman
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Tracie Bergman

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Instruction with a Literacy Focus at Hillsborough County Public Schools

 

 

"Kids are too valuable. You can't say, 'Well, we'll see what happens in five years.' No, The urgency is always there."

This week, we talked with special guest, Tracie Bergman, a passionate literacy advocate and the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Instruction with a Literacy Focus at Hillsborough County Public Schools. With a career spanning over two decades, Tracie shares her extensive experience and innovative strategies to enhance literacy across one of the largest school districts in the U.S.


Key Takeaways:

  1. Literacy Frameworks: Tracie emphasizes the need for clear instructional frameworks across all grades to ensure consistent, high-quality teaching.
  2. Professional Development: She highlights the vital role of ongoing training and support in enhancing teacher efficacy and adapting to literacy initiatives.
  3. Community Engagement: Insights into engaging families and communities to support literacy through effective partnerships and resources.
  4. Curriculum Strategies:  Tracie discusses methods for selecting high-quality materials and adapting to feedback for educational success.
  5. Challenges and Successes:  She shares experiences of overcoming obstacles and achieving success in literacy programs across Hillsborough County.

 

Timestamps:

  • 00:00  Introduction of Tracie Bergman and her educational background.
  • 04:09  Overview of the demographic and structural complexities of Hillsborough County Public Schools.
  • 04:39  Steps taken to establish a foundational literacy framework in the district.
  • 07:16  Challenges faced in standardizing literacy instruction across a large district.
  • 09:33  Successes seen from new literacy initiatives and professional development.
  • 17:40  Role of families in supporting literacy and strategies to enhance parental involvement.
  • 24:01  Advice for district leaders on aligning practices with the science of reading.

 

Science of Reading Resources

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

Dive deeper into the Science of Reading: The Science of Reading: What You Need to Know

 

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.