Recent Articles
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Why I Believe Every Child Can Learn to Read
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As a reading teacher and a parent, I’ve seen firsthand the frustration, tears, and self-doubt that can come when a child struggles to read. I’ve…
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Understanding TEKS and Early Literacy: A Guide for Texas Parents
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If your child attends public school in Texas, their learning is guided by the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, or TEKS. This framework ensures that…
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Meet the Teacher Night: A Teacher’s Perspective
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Meet the Teacher Night is a pivotal event that sets the tone for the school year, fostering connections between teachers, students, and families. From creating…
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The 2024 Texas Dyslexia Handbook: What Educators and Parents Need to Know
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The 2024 update to the Texas Dyslexia Handbook: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders reflects the most recent legislative and procedural changes in how Texas…
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Lessons from the Forest: What Finnish Outdoor Preschools Teach Us About Early Childhood Education
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A Walk Through the Woods: A Personal Glimpse During a recent visit to Finland, I had the opportunity to experience this philosophy firsthand. As we…
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What Moomin World Taught Me About Finland’s Education System: A Culture That Values Children
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At the end of July, I had the opportunity to visit Moomin World in Naantali, Finland. Unlike any theme park I’ve visited before, Moomin World…
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How to Launch Reading by Design with Success This School Year A Professional Guide for Educators Committed to Structured Literacy
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The beginning of the school year offers a fresh opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students who struggle with reading. For educators using Reading…
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Restoring Order and Supporting Students: What H.B. 6 Means for Texas Classrooms
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The following reflects my interpretation of the bill. For full details, the enrolled version is available here: https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/html/HB00006F.HTM As a Texas public school teacher, I…
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Setting Up a Literacy-Rich Classroom: Essentials for K–5 Teachers
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Creating a literacy-rich classroom is foundational to effective instruction in the early grades. A well-designed learning environment supports the development of strong reading and writing…
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Organizing Your Small-Group Reading Area for Maximum Impact A Guide for Elementary Teachers Committed to Effective Literacy Instruction
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The small-group reading area is the heart of differentiated instruction in any K–5 classroom. Whether you are implementing structured literacy, guided reading, or an intervention…
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Myths and Truths About Dyslexia: A Teacher’s Perspective
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As an elementary educator and dyslexia interventionist, I often speak with parents and colleagues who have questions, concerns, or misconceptions about dyslexia. Despite decades of…
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Why I Don’t Assign Homework in Primary Grades—and What I Recommend Instead
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In my primary classroom, you won’t find a nightly homework packet or a list of assignments to be checked off by tired parents and busy…
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What Is Structured Literacy?
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As educators and parents seek effective solutions for struggling readers, one approach consistently rises to the top—Structured Literacy. This evidence-based method supports all learners, especially…
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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