Groves Literacy Partnerships Literacy Leader Susan Johnson

Susan Johnson is a Groves Literacy Partnerships Coach Manager and Literacy Coach, helping partner schools create a new and self-sustaining culture of literacy.

Groves Literacy Partnerships (GLP) is developing literacy leaders in our local schools. When a school partners with GLP to advance literacy instruction, the goal is to change the culture of literacy in the building and ensure that the hard work and learning become self-sustaining. Groves Literacy Partnerships Literacy Coaches are key to this process.

What is your role at Groves Literacy Partnerships?

I’m in my third year as a Literacy Coach within GLP. This is my 9th year coaching teachers and 23rd year in education.

Tell us about your educational and career background.

I hold a B.A. in Elementary Education/English from Concordia University, Chicago, and an M.A. in Education/Literacy from Concordia University, Nebraska, and Minnesota licensure for both Elementary Education and Reading Specialist K-12. I have completed training and coaching in an explicit, systematic literacy program based on the science of reading and have been published in numerous education publications.

Why do you choose to work at GLP?

I spent 6 years coaching and training intensively in the intervention space. I was excited that Groves Method curriculum focused on Tier 1 instruction instead of just intervention. Interventions were sometimes the “fix-it” shop for situations that could’ve been remedied by high-quality core instruction and teacher education/empowerment. I wanted to be a part of an entire system of change, not just working in one tier of change.

What do you appreciate about working at GLP?

I’ve seen teachers have some real “aha” moments as they’ve taken LETRS training or listened to various podcasts. They really see our Groves Method curriculum AND our framework of support aligning with professional learning like LETRS. GLP Partner School teachers tell me they have never had this type of professional growth and development before, and it’s opened them to doing things they’ve never thought possible. I’ve seen new teachers soar with our coaching and curriculum, especially as they often feel like they’re floundering to keep it all together. Our support gives them the confidence they need to tackle literacy.

What is your favorite science of reading resource?

There are so many! I’d like to give a current “plug” to our newly formed Reading League in Minnesota. They’ve been putting on a great Saturday morning book study based on Lindsay Kemeny’s book “Seven Mighty Moves.”

Find out how to become a Groves Literacy Partnership School!

Groves Literacy Partnerships is proud to be working together with 87 schools in the greater Twin Cities area, cutting across all demographics and serving over 11,000+ K-3rd grade students just this year, delivering powerful reading and literacy instruction.

Learn more about becoming a Groves Literacy Partner

Request information about Pre-K–3rd-grade Literacy Partnerships

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