Heather Rodman

Literacy Trainer

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

Working with teachers. I love working, thinking, and reflecting with teachers about their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about teaching and learning.

What I believe in

Teachers! Teachers are the instructional decision makers in classrooms. They are the ones who make a difference in the world. I believe that every teacher is an agent of change. There is nothing more powerful than a group of teachers thinking, talking, and reflecting about their instructional practices.

Previous work highlights

PreK – 4th grade teacher for 18 years
Literacy Coach
Leveled Literacy Intervention Instructor

Favorite book

My Name is Asher Lev, by Chaim Potok

Fun fact

I was a high school crew coach for 10 years.

Education

Central Connecticut State University

April 15, 2025 Nikki Drury, Literacy Trainer

The Joys and Benefits of Interactive Writing in Early Literacy

Interactive writing is a powerful and engaging literacy practice for young learners. It is a collaborative approach where you and the children share the pen to compose text together. This process not only supports early writing development but also strengthens foundational literacy skills in an authentic and meaningful way.

March 28, 2025 Heather Rodman, Literacy Trainer

Celebrating the Small Wins

Creating learning environments requires strength-based observations, time to celebrate, and facilitative language that guides, encourages, and energizes learners. Time pressures in schools often interfere with educators’ ability to observe for and celebrate learning. However, securing time to create and sustain learning environments that appreciate, acknowledge, and celebrate learning journeys is possible.

February 18, 2025 Wendy Vaulton, Associate Director for Reading Recovery & Early Interventions

Bridging Languages and Building Literacy: Helping Multilingual Learners Thrive

Multilingual learners are taking on the dual challenge of learning a new language while also acquiring literacy. By taking small, intentional steps, teachers can effectively bridge the gap between students’ current knowledge and the new skills they are developing, creating a solid foundation for their literacy growth.