Blogpost by: Ellen A Thompson – PLL Literacy Consultant There is a buzz in the air concerning teaching literacy in schools.  Everyone has an opinion.  Everyone knows the correct way to proceed.  Everyone is listening to everyone.   We need strong literacy leadership in our Vermont schools.  Leadership that can make

This letter is in response to the “Reading Reckoning” article in the Seven Days Newspaper on Oct. 4, 2023. The role of reading in a democratic society is critical, yet this article did a disservice to educators and the public by over-simplifying the work needed to improve literacy in Vermont.

Melanie Stultz-Backus, PLL Literacy Consultant   A Remedy to Heal Divisions: Realigning Languages, Not Maligning Cultures “I quit school,” he said, and he sat back at the table. “Quit?” Beth said. “What did you expect?” he said. “ I didn’t know what I was doing there. I didn’t even want

Remembering Sue Biggam It’s with deep respect and great fondness that we remember our colleague and friend, Susan Carey Biggam.  Sue was a guiding presence in our organization since the very start of the Vermont Reads Institute at UVM.  At VRI, she had many roles, including Associate Director, Bridging Project

Ellen A. Thompson, Ed. D., author February 27, 2023 For this past year, I have been on a mission to better understand the draw that word study has on educators.  It is being used as a silver bullet for all that ails readers and writers in our schools.  Let’s be