What is the Literacy Academy?

The literacy academy provides early-career teachers and those new to teaching literacy a pathway of focused, literacy-specific instruction that builds strong, sustainable practices and teacher confidence.

With four face-to-face, strategically paced sessions throughout the year as well as a support system, teachers engage in meaningful learning grounded in an in-depth understanding of the literacy process. The academy emphasizes practical instructional moves and research-based strategies that honor how literacy develops while maintaining clear alignment to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

Designed to simplify the complexities of literacy instruction, the literacy academy equips teachers with clear guidance, real examples, and ready-to-implement literacy practices. Teachers will gain tools that strengthen core instruction and better support student learning in both reading and writing.

Long-range focus areas include:

• Implementing the five core components of literacy instruction: read aloud, word study, independent reading, core reading, and core writing
• Exploring the reading sequence: developing foundational tools, building understanding, engaging in text analysis, and examining the author’s craft
• Scaffolding reading and writing instruction to support student understanding and independence
• Engaging in responsive literacy instruction that adapts to student needs
• Guiding students through the writing process to strengthen clarity, organization, and expression

Gayla Wiggins

A dedicated literacy consultant, Gayla brings years of experience supporting literacy at every level – state, regional, district, and campus. Her work with lead4ward, combined with her deep knowledge of instruction and curriculum, allows her to break down the complexities of literacy and make them practical and accessible for educators. Read more–>