Welcome!
My name is Adrianna. I have over fifteen years of experience in the field of education serving as a lead classroom teacher (1st, 2nd and more recently 5th grade), guest teacher (short and long term in public, private and religious schools), early elementary reading and math tutor, and as the founder/reading interventionist of a literacy based program helping developing K-3rd grade readers in 1-to-1 and small group settings.
In my experience as a 1st, 2nd, and most recently fifth-grade teacher and literacy advocate, I have always viewed education through the lens of social justice, believing every child deserves to learn to read and reach their full potential. With the culmination of my Masters in Reading, Language, and Literacy, I have strengthened my knowledge of how children learn to read, the effective use of assessment data, and the urgency of high-quality, evidence-based instruction. Additionally, I gained various strategies for cultivating a culturally responsive, literacy-centered, engaging learning environment where every student feels motivated, validated, and supported.
I have a passion and talent for coaching, encouraging, mentoring, and inspiring students. As a fifth-grade teacher, I organized and facilitated a lunch bunch reading club to support student interest in reading and discussing books, in addition to providing targeted reading instruction for students in an after-school setting.
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​I created By the Letter Literacy Reading Lab because I am committed to supporting students with their reading, language and literacy needs, and watching them transform into proficient, confident, enthusiastic readers. As an avid reader, I know the importance of literacy as it relates to personal growth, opportunity, equity, and success in school and life. With commitment, passion, and the creation of individualized programs and tools, students will develop the necessary skills for ongoing success.
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​​I use a structured literacy approach in my instruction, and I am committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research in order to assist my students and families, while continuing to improve my expertise as a reading instructor/specialist. My BA is in Sociology with additional coursework in child development and family and social dynamics. I have completed a graduate-level teacher education program and have my California Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist credential with added authorization in reading and literacy. After completing my pre-service assignment, I was nominated and subsequently became the Delta Gamma Society International Outstanding Student Teacher recipient at the chapter and state levels. I regularly participate in professional development trainings on reading literacy and evidence-based practices (including completing a 30-hour Comprehensive IMSE Orton-Gillingham (OG) training, a 6-hour REED Charitable Foundation OG refresher course and current Reading Simplified Academy member etc.).
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​In addition to working directly with students and families, I have completed Open Court training, served as an AEMP teacher and as an off-site judge for the Future Educators of America Lesson Planning and Delivery Competition. I have facilitated the Los Angeles Unified School District's Second Step Empathy Training Program, presented on Love and Logic (positive parenting and teaching techniques), and participated in extensive training by the California Association for Bilingual Education in the use of effective strategies for English Language Learners'. I have experience administering diagnostic assessments and analyzing data to inform my teaching practice, allowing me to create targeted lesson plans and differentiated instructional resources.​ I create both digital and video early literacy content, and recently launched a resource website and an interactive Youtube channel, both aimed at parents/caregivers and early childhood educators to use with their children/students.
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“Adrianna built a positive classroom environment that allowed students to feel comfortable and prepared to learn. She built her classroom community around the importance of literacy and inspired her students’ love of and interest in reading. Through her unparalleled composure and, not to mention, great sense of humor,
she effectively presented lessons that attracted both undivided attention from her students and admiration
from her fellow teachers.”
— 5th Grade Teaching Partner
“During her Master of Arts program, Adrianna demonstrated exemplary work. She engaged deeply with the literature, critically analyzing her practice in relation to it, and crafting
a vision and trajectory for her continued professional growth
as a literacy professional and leader. Through her coursework, Adrianna showcased a superior ability to assess, plan, and deliver literacy instruction tailored to the needs of diverse learners. Her master's project, titled "Building Early Literacy Pre-Reading Skills at Home: A Collection of Parent Resources,"
was an exceptional example of her knowledge, skills, and advocacy as a literacy educator and leader dedicated to equity, excellence, and social justice for all students.”
— Associate Professor of Literacy Education, Ph.D., California State University