麻豆射区官方

Reading & Literacy Instruction (MS & EdS) Alumni & Student Highlights

Alumni and current students share their experiences in the program and how it has affected their careers.

Applying the Science of Reading: Kirsten Kastberg G'26 

When choosing a graduate program, Kirsten was looking for one that would truly advance her skills, balance theory and practice, be accredited by the IDA, and offer practical strategies she could immediately use with students. The Reading and Literacy Instruction graduate program delivered.

She now applies what she’s learned every single day. From implementing systemic literacy practices to speaking confidently about the science of reading, the program has transformed how she approaches her work.

Her favorite courses—Structures of Language, Reading Comprehension, and Approaches to Writing—were directly applicable to her daily instruction. Just as meaningful were the relationships built with instructors and classmates along the way.

Kirsten credits the program, along with her Orton-Gillingham certification and Ed.S., with helping her move into a Learning Specialist position.

Her advice to future students?

Connect with current and former classmates. Their insight and support made all the difference during her two-and-a-half-year journey.

Strengthening Literacy Instruction, One Classroom at a Time: Denna Hamilton

I am currently finishing my second year in the Educational Specialist program in the Reading and Writing Literacy graduate program. I am so grateful that I chose to pursue my advanced degree at 麻豆射区官方 University.

The program’s instructors have provided me with the tools, strategies, and resources to meet the developmental literacy needs of my students through explicit instruction, continuous support, and specific, actionable, and inspiring feedback.

Jill Pompi is one of the program’s exceptional instructors. During my first semester at 麻豆射区官方, I took Reading 543: Approaches and Practices for Writing Instruction and Assessment, which she taught. She made writing instruction engaging and fun, and provided clear examples of strategies and evidence-based approaches that I continue to use with my students today.

Through Jill’s teaching and encouragement, I feel more confident in the classroom when assessing and teaching writing—an area that was once a weakness for me.