The department is pleased to highlight some of the amazing literacy coaches who are focused on improving literacy around the state! As part of the LEARNS Act, the department is hiring up to 120 literacy coaches who will support teachers in their efforts to ensure all students are reading on grade level by the end of third grade. Literacy coaches provide direct coaching, observation, information about student progress, and feedback to teachers in K-3 classrooms and support school leaders in implementing the Science of Reading and improving literacy school-wide. To learn more about the LEARNS Act, visit https://learns.ade.arkansas.gov.

Meet Wendy Green

Hometown: Jonesboro, AR
Years in Education: 24
Previous Roles: Classroom Teacher (Grades 1-3), Dyslexia Therapist
Currently Serving: Crowley's Ridge Educational Service Cooperative and Blytheville School District

My dream is for all children to become literate, and that is only achieved by the lighted path that teachers provide. I want to be there to support, problem solve, and help them achieve success.

I have yet to encounter a challenge in this role. Change in my job only means more growth for myself, and that benefits everyone. As a literacy coach, it's a privilege to build relationships and support while also continuing to provide literacy knowledge to other districts in my area to ensure all 22 districts do what is best for students in order to warrant students' academic achievements. As my district says, "Learners Today… Leaders Tomorrow."

What advice do you routinely give teachers? Why?

My advice for teachers is to find your why. Why are you here? Why did you choose to teach? Once you find your why, the road to helping all students become proficient in all areas of academics becomes quite clear. You will not see the studying, research, learning, and planning as work. It will come through as passion — passion that you have for making sure all our students can achieve goals that they set for themselves.

What words of encouragement would you give to a young struggling reader and his/her parents?

To the young struggling reader, I would say, "You can do it!" The educational journey may be different; however, you were made for this path, and there will be amazing people who understand and will become part of your community. Celebrate the highs and your strengths while striving to work hard during the lows. In my eyes, struggling readers are warriors who fight, persist, and have empathy when they see others struggling in life. Remember, you can overcome anything; I did!