LUMBERTON — A Public Schools of Robeson County academic coach has been selected to participate in the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation’s (NCECF) inaugural Science of Reading Fellowship.
Rowland-Norment Elementary School Academic Coach Julia Lashley is among eight pre-kindergarten through third-grade educators in the state selected for the fellowship, according to Dr. Micere Keels, Policy and Practice Leader for NCECF.
Educators participating in the fellowship range from classroom teachers to schoolwide instructional coaches, Keels said.
“We look forward to partnering with them in a collaborative learning opportunity. The dual goals of the fellowship are for us at NCECF to learn how to best center and amplify the voices of educators in understanding what is needed to increase reading proficiency for all children while also narrowing racial disparities, and providing unique professional development opportunities for these educators,” Keels said.
“Our state's investment in the science of reading is exciting. We believe this fellowship will provide a window into implementation at the classroom level, both the challenges and the victories,” said Muffy Grant, NCECF Executive Director. “Lifting up the voices of those tasked with reading instruction is vital to ensuring that all NC children have access to the best we can offer in evidence-based reading instruction.”
Lashley said she is excited to participate in the fellowship, which began in September and will last through the 2023-2024 school year.
“I am incredibly honored to start this journey with the NC Early Childhood Foundation,” Lashley said.
“This is an excellent opportunity to broaden my knowledge and lean in and collaborate with fellow educators around North Carolina. I plan to obtain new ways to support teachers and fellow coaches as we continue to work toward understanding and applying the principles of the Science of Reading in our daily practices,” Lashley said.
PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson congratulated Lashley on the opportunity to participate in the fellowship.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for Ms. Lashley to engage in meaningful conversations centered on the Science of Reading. I am certain she will use the lessons she learns from her time in the fellowship to make a positive impact on student learning for Rowland-Norment Elementary students and students across the district,” Williamson said. “On behalf of the Public Schools of Robeson County, I would like to congratulate Ms. Lashley on this prestigious honor.”