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Headshot of Cindy Downend

Cindy Downend

Associate Director, Literacy Programs

What I like most about my role within the Center is…

I love to teach! It is so rewarding to see how our work with educators can be so empowering and transformative. When you think in new ways about literacy teaching and learning, you change your practice to improve the school experiences of children.

What I believe in

The power of literacy to improve, enrich, and change people’s lives.

Previous work highlights

Many years as a classroom teacher, Reading Recovery teacher, and literacy coach in Michigan, Germany, Minnesota, and Florida.

Favorite book

All The Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr

Fun fact

Many years ago I was smuggled across an international border to go snow-skiing!

Education

MA, Elementary Education, Western Michigan University
EdS, Educational Leadership, Nova Southeastern University

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Featured Blog Posts

December 11, 2024 Nikki Drury, Literacy Trainer

Celebrating the Season: New and Diverse Holiday Books for the PK–6 Classroom 

Read on to discover some fantastic books about the holidays to bring diversity into your classroom this season.

November 21, 2024 Heather Rodman, Literacy Trainer

Reading Aloud to Children: The Future is in Our Hands

Research shows that reading aloud to children is the one of the best ways to encourage a literate life.

November 14, 2024 Linda Murphy, Associate Director of Literacy Programs

Navigating Standardized Assessment: Approaching Testing as a Genre

Standardized testing is a reality in our students’ lives. Are you wondering how you can support your students in demonstrating all they know on the test but not stop the rich, ongoing literacy instruction months before the test?