0. Introductions

Welcome

Welcome to our book study on The Reading Comprehension Blueprint by Nancy Hennessy! Our group members come from a variety of schools and positions. As a result, we know the conversations will be full of great ideas and perspectives. We look forward to sharing ideas and experiences online. The most successful studies are when group members connect the book to what is working in their classrooms. It is our goal that you come away from our time together with tools and strategies to support you and your students. 

Please read about your facilitators below and share a little bit about yourself in response. You can include professional and personal information -- please share whatever you would like!

Facilitator Introductions

Mary Kate Ticknor
Hello! My name is Mary Kate Ticknor.  I began my teaching career in 2004 as Special Educator at the Racker Center.  I joined the Cortland team in 2008, where I co-taught primarily in grades K-2.  I am passionate about early intervention and the science of reading.  As a special educator, I am passionate about differentiation, co-teaching practices, and equity for all learners.  Having empathy, kindness, and compassion for all learners is at the heart of my teaching philosophy.  In my free time, I enjoying being outdoors with my three children (ages 5, 7, and 9) as well as my husband and dog.

Leigh Buettler
Hello! My name is Leigh Buettler (bit/ler) and I am currently the Director of Professional Learning and a Structured Literacy Coach at the Stern Center for Language and Learning, a non-profit organization in Vermont. I was a classroom teacher for 10 years and worked at the Cortland Enlarged City School District, where I also had the privilege of serving as a literacy coach for three years before moving on to my current position. When I was teaching 6th grade, I realized that my pedagogy, knowledge, and skills were not helping students make progress in reading. I began learning about the Science of Reading and structured literacy and never looked back! In my free time, I like to read, crochet, cook, and spend time with my husband and dogs.