literacy instruction
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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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A 70 Percent Increase in Dyslexia Identification: What the Numbers Tell Us Key Takeaways
2018–2019: 194,225 students in Texas identified with dyslexia 2023–2024: 329,247 students in Texas identified with dyslexia Change: 70 percent increase in five…
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How to Launch Reading by Design with Success This School Year A Professional Guide for Educators Committed to Structured Literacy
The beginning of the school year offers a fresh opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students who struggle with reading. For…
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Organizing Your Small-Group Reading Area for Maximum Impact A Guide for Elementary Teachers Committed to Effective Literacy Instruction
The small-group reading area is the heart of differentiated instruction in any K–5 classroom. Whether you are implementing structured literacy, guided reading,…
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Myths and Truths About Dyslexia: A Teacher’s Perspective
As an elementary educator and dyslexia interventionist, I often speak with parents and colleagues who have questions, concerns, or misconceptions about dyslexia.…
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What Is Structured Literacy?
As educators and parents seek effective solutions for struggling readers, one approach consistently rises to the top—Structured Literacy. This evidence-based method supports…
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Rebuilding Readers: Using the Science of Teaching Reading After COVID
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted learning in every classroom, but as elementary teachers, we felt it most acutely in early reading. Students missed…
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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





