structured literacy
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The Blueprint for Reading: A Guide to Phonics Scope and Sequence
For decades, educational research has sought to understand the most effective ways to teach children how to read. A significant body of…
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Why Guessing is Not Reading: Understanding the Difference
When children encounter an unfamiliar word while reading, many will quickly try to guess what the word might be. They might look…
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What the Brain Actually Does When We Read
Reading may seem automatic to skilled readers, but under the surface, it’s one of the most complex tasks the human brain…
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The Magic of Orthographic Mapping
Reading is more than just sounding out letters on a page. At the heart of skilled reading lies a remarkable mental process…
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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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Why Decodable Books Matter
When your child is learning to read, one of the most powerful tools you can give them is access to the right…
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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





