September 2025
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Understanding Rules Around Vowel Pairs and Effective Ways to Teach Them Introduction
Vowel pairs, also called vowel teams, are an important part of learning to read and spell in English. These combinations of two…
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Teaching the Six Syllable Types: Building Blocks for Reading Success
Discover the six syllable types and how to teach them with clear examples, word lists, and research-based strategies. Strengthen decoding, spelling, fluency,…
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Essential Phonics Rules and Their Role in Reading Development
Learn the most important phonics rules, including CVC, silent e, vowel teams, r-controlled vowels, digraphs, and syllable types. Build decoding, fluency, and…
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Understanding Dysgraphia: Definition, Characteristics, and Academic Consequences
Dysgraphia is a specific learning disorder that affects the ability to produce written language. According to The Dyslexia Handbook (Texas Education Agency,…
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Understanding the Characteristics of Dysgraphia
Learn the key characteristics of dysgraphia, a learning disorder that affects handwriting and written expression. Explore signs, classroom impact, and effective strategies…
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Why Cursive Writing Is Still Important in Education
Cursive writing boosts brain development, literacy, memory, and fine motor skills while preserving cultural heritage. Discover why cursive is still important in…
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Evaluations for Dyslexia under IDEA: Understanding the Process
Evaluations for dyslexia are part of the special education evaluation process required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Through the…
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Dyslexia in Postsecondary Education: Identification, Challenges, and Support Strategies
Many students with dyslexia are not identified until college, where academic demands increase dramatically. Slow, effortful reading, word retrieval issues, and memory…
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About Texas Reading Teacher
MaryEllen Gibson – Texas Reading Teacher
MaryEllen Gibson is a dedicated Texas Reading Teacher with a strong foundation in both education and business. She earned her undergraduate degree from California State University Long Beach and received her Teaching Credential from Concordia University Irvine. She also holds an MBA with an emphasis in Marketing and is CLAD certified in California. MaryEllen is ELIC trained, a Reading Academy graduate, Reading by Design certified, Science of Teaching Reading certified, and Gifted and Talented certified through the Texas Education Agency.
With nearly three decades of experience in education, MaryEllen brings not only professional expertise but also a personal passion to her work. As a mother of two daughters—both of whom work in the Texas Senate—she understands the challenges many families face. Her youngest daughter struggled with reading early on, giving MaryEllen firsthand insight into the journey of supporting a child with reading difficulties. Today, she is proud to share that her daughter not only overcame those challenges but is also a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. Hook ’em!
MaryEllen has been married to her husband Steve for 28 years and remains deeply committed to empowering young readers and supporting families through structured literacy and targeted intervention



