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Cindy Downend

Center Director

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

Working alongside literacy leaders—including coaches and administrators—to solve the complex challenges of ensuring every child has the opportunity to become a successful reader and writer. When educators think in new ways about literacy teaching and professional learning, they transform their practice—and, ultimately, outcomes for children. 

Seeing educators grow in confidence and lead meaningful change within their schools is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that our work helps create lasting improvements for teachers and students is the most fulfilling part of what I do. 

What I believe in

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

Previous work highlights

I am so proud of being a member of our Center’s team here at Lesley for more than 19 years. Prior to that, I enjoyed working as a classroom teacher, literacy coach, and reading  interventionist in a variety of locations including Michigan, Germany, Minnesota, and Florida. 

Favorite book

So many, but my all-time favorite is A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole! 

Fun fact

My cockapoo, Westley, and I were recently certified as a pet therapy team. 

Education

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

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Featured Blog Posts

June 24, 2026 Wendy Vaulton, Associate Director for Reading Recovery & Early Interventions

Better Together: The Case for Cluster Coaching

Discover how cluster coaching helps educators learn together, build confidence, and strengthen student outcomes.

June 11, 2026 Heather Rodman, Literacy Trainer

Notebooks: Helping Students Notice, Wonder, and Think on Paper

One simple but powerful way teachers can nurture students’ curiosity is through notebooks. In classrooms, notebooks are not merely places to record learning; they create space for students to collect questions, sketches, observations, discoveries, and evolving ideas.

May 20, 2026 Cindy Downend, Director

Poolside PD

Summer is the perfect time to slow down, recharge, and dive into a great book that refreshes your literacy knowledge. In this blog post, Cindy Downend shares a thoughtful collection of professional texts for literacy educators — covering early literacy, writing instruction, purposeful reading, and evidence-based teaching practices — all perfect for your summer poolside PD.