learning to read
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How Kids Go from Learning to Read to Reading to Learn
One of the biggest milestones in a child’s education is when they shift from learning to read to reading to learn. This…
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Unlocking the Door to Reading: 5 Essential Pre-Reading Skills to Foster Before Kindergarten
The journey to becoming a confident reader begins long before a child can decipher their first word. This foundational stage, known as…
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A Parent’s Guide to Phonological Awareness: The Most Critical Early Reading Skill
Unlock the door to literacy long before your child picks up a book. Discover the foundational skill that predicts reading success and…
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Phonemic Awareness vs. Phonics: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters
Understanding the difference between phonemic awareness and phonics is essential for both parents and educators working to build strong, confident readers. Though…
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The First Building Block in Learning to Read: Why Phonemic Awareness Matters
As parents, we all want to give our children the best possible start, especially when it comes to reading. But here’s…
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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





