The
Literacy Triad
Meet the Triad!
We are 3 best friends with 65 years teaching experience, 3 Bachelors' degrees, 3 Masters' degrees, and 3 Doctorates between us connected by a great love of literacy.
Dr. Jill Culmo
My name is Jill Culmo. I am an educator who is passionate about literacy. I love to read, and I work tirelessly to get my students to love reading, too. I wholeheartedly believe that students who read more, achieve more, and that one of our top priorities as educators is to motivate kids to want to read more.
I just finished up my 21st year in education. I was a classroom teacher for 15 years, teaching all grades from first through fifth. (I also did a stint semester teaching seventh grade summer school. Yikes!) I've also taught developmental reading courses at a local community college, and I was honored to be an adjunct professor at a university. I received my Bachelor of Science from the University of North Texas and my Master of Science in Reading from Texas A&M University--Commerce. In 2009, I completed my Doctor of Education in Curriculum, Supervision, and Instruction at TAMU-C. The title of my dissertation was The Impact of Daily Independent Self-selected Reading on Second Grade Students. Currently I work as an Instructional Specialist and Early Literacy Specialist in a suburban school district outside of Dallas. As my principal put it, I help "to grow both teachers and students." I work with and alongside teachers and striving readers, and I design and provide professional development in many varied formats. My research interests include motivation to read, comprehension, and early literacy (particulary guided reading.)
Micheal and I have been friends since the second grade! It seems like we've always been in each other's lives in one form or fashion. We even went to community college together and, years later, took several doctoral courses together. I met Robin during our doctoral coursework. In spite of the miles that are between us, the three of us are inseparable. I am so thankful for our triad!
My husband and I are the parents of three wonderful children, ranging in age from 7 to 16 years. When I'm not working, taking care of my kids, reading, or doing laundry, I love to walk (usually with Micheal.)
My Twitter handle is @motivated2read.
Dr. Robin D. Johnson
Hi! I am Robin D. Johnson, and I have been an educator since 1995. I have taught 1st grade in Dallas ISD, taught 2nd through 4th grades in Mesquite ISD, and was the Elementary Curriculum Coordinator for Lovejoy ISD. I hold a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies from Baylor University and a Masters in Elementary Education from Texas A&M University - Commerce. After earning my Doctorate in Supervision, Curriculum, & Instruction from Texas A&M University - Commerce, I answered a call to work with pre-service teachers as an Assistant Professor at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, where I taught classes with an emphasis on reading and writing. I am currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Learning Sciences (formerly Teacher Education) at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, where I teach graduate courses, early childhood courses, and undergraduate students in their field-based experience semester.
At TAMU-CC, I am the Coordinator of School-University Partnerships, a faculty adviser for the Student Reading Council, and the Program Director for Barrio Writers. My other professional roles include Past-President of the Texas Association for Literacy Education and co-editor of the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers Yearbook. I am also a Diamond level Abydos literacy facilitator and the author of Time to Write. I enjoy consulting with districts across Texas, writing, and presenting with the other Literacy Triad members.
I have been married to my wonderful husband, David, since 1995, and we have two amazing children, Caleb and Sophie. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading & writing, and going to the beach.
My Twitter handle is @timetowrite_rj.
For a list of my professional experiences and publications, please click on my curriculum vitae.
Dr. Micheal Kessner
Hello! I am Micheal Kessner, and I am passionate about Literacy, Science, History, and ways to combine the three (or two of the three), and working with teachers to improve their instruction.
I began my career in education in high school & college as a teaching assistant and then teacher in the Education Department at The Science Place in Fair Park, Dallas, Texas, teaching all ages between 2 1/2 years old and adult. Not only did I learn about education, teaching, and working with children, but also I began to develop a love for Science. I received my Bachelor of Arts in English with a Minor in History from Southern Methodist University, Masters in Elementary Education from Texas A&M University - Commerce, and Doctorate in Supervision, Curriculum, & Instruction with a Cognate in Reading from Texas A&M University - Commerce. The title of my dissertation is How Does Implementation of Inquiry-Based Science Instruction in a High-Stakes Testing Environment Affect Fifth-Grade Student Science Achievement?, for which I received Recognition of Merit in the 2008-09 Phi Delta Kappa International Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award Program.
I just completed my 21st year in public education, and 11 of those were in the classroom teaching 3rd-6th grades, leading professional development on campus, and presenting at state Reading conferences. Upon finishing my Doctorate, I took a job for three years as a District Curriculum Specialist for K-5 Science, creating the Elementary Science program, leading professional development, and working with administrators and teachers; a job I loved, grew professionally, and stretched me greatly. Now, I am completing my 7th year as an Instructional Specialist on a middle school campus, working with 7th & 8th grade teachers in all content areas. I assist our District Science Coordinators and Facilitators with curriculum writing and professional development for 6th-8th grade Science teachers, and I lead professional development on my campus to teach new instructional strategies that can be used in all content areas. I am reconnecting with my Literacy side and integrating it into all content areas as I work with teachers with instructional strategies.
As Jill stated, we have known each other forever. Together, we went to elementary, middle, & high school, played in band, participated in Girl Scouts, earned our Girl Scout Gold Award (highest award in Girl Scouting), attended community college, and took some doctoral classes. We have led a Girl Scout troop together, and now, we attend church together, where we play Bells and sing in the Choir and Band. I met Robin while teaching 3rd grade when she was leading a District Reading Professional Development session. We did not become great friends until we began taking doctoral classes together and then working together at the District level, she with ELA and me with Science. I learn so much from Jill and Robin. They put up with all my crazy questions, and they are doing their best to help me reconnect with all things Literacy. These two ladies help make me who I am, are amazing educators from whom I love to learn and with whom I love to work, and am so grateful for how supportive they are in all my endeavors. I couldn't make it through some days without them!
My personal Twitter handle is @MKessnerEdD.