Susan Tannehill

Associate Director of Operations & Finance

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

Supporting the mission of increasing literacy skills for children.

What I believe in:

I am passionate about social justice and health equity and am an ally for the LGBTQ+ community and for those oppressed due to discrimination.

Previous work highlights:

I spent nearly 15 years working for an AIDS service organization and over a decade at Harvard, most notably with the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative.

Favorite book:

The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir.

Fun fact:

I am an artist and an ardent poodle lover!

Education:

BLA from Harvard

March 6, 2026 Nikki Drury, Literacy Trainer

An Invitation to Rethink: What Research Says About Syllables

As literacy educators, we must think carefully about cognitive load, instructional payoff, and how word-solving strategies impact readers’ fluency and comprehension. If a strategy requires a lot of mental effort but works inconsistently, it’s worth asking whether it truly supports readers.

February 20, 2026 Linda Murphy, Associate Director of Literacy Programs

Three Essential Practices for Effective Vocabulary Instruction

Vocabulary knowledge is a key element in comprehending text. Students need ongoing instruction and support in developing their vocabulary because it affects their ability to comprehend texts and communicate their ideas clearly. Here are three instructional practices for approaching vocabulary instruction that will support students in expanding their word knowledge.

January 13, 2026 Edmund Adjapong

Analyzing Hip-Hop as Text: Teaching Students to Read the World Through Culture

Hip-hop is powerful because it provides a voice and a platform to marginalized communities and critiques injustice. It continues to be a powerful means for young people to critique social injustice, demand change, and celebrate their identities—offering not just music, but a way to imagine and create a better world. At its core, hip-hop is a culture that critiques society.