Team Page Hero
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

illustration with clip art

Featured Blog Posts

February 5, 2025 Gen Arcovio, Literacy Trainer

Planting the Seeds of Literacy: Cultivating Learning in PreK Centers

Teaching children how to use books and other literacy resources in play centers helps children naturally integrate the use of print, writing, and new vocabulary into their natural flow of play.

January 23, 2025 Cindy Downend, Associate Director of Literacy Programs

Literacy Coaching Toward Teacher Empowerment and Resilience 

Observations and four key ideas that emerged from a group of experienced literacy coaches who brainstormed ways to work toward fostering teacher empowerment in the new year.

January 6, 2025 Nawal Qarooni, Guest Speaker

Reaching All Learners by Partnering Thoughtfully With Families 

The next speaker in our Reaching All Learners Series, Nawal Qarooni, offers three tips on how to collaborate in meaningful ways with the families of our students.