Elise Kovi

Assistant Director of Outreach, Marketing, and Engagement

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

Supporting educators on their journey to teach students how to read and write.

What I believe in:

I believe books transport us to new places, encourage us to use our imaginations and have the ability to change the world. I also believe stories connect us to one another.

Previous work highlights:

I have worked on a variety of projects, but my favorite was developing customer stories. I love staying connected to audiences and building community.

Favorite book:

Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson

Fun fact:

I played travel softball growing up and like to run marathons and triathlons.

Education:

MS in Public Relations from Boston University

BA in Communication Studies from University of California, Los Angeles

April 8, 2026 Heather Rodman, Literacy Trainer

A Literacy Gambit: Engaging Students Through Daily Word Exploration

This five-minute Word of the Day routine helps students build vocabulary, think critically about words, and develop confident, independent word-solving skills.

March 31, 2026 Wunneanatsu Lamb-Cason (Schaghticoke/HoChunk)

Reading Beyond November: Bringing Indigenous Voices Into Everyday Literacy Instruction

As educators, we have an opportunity to shift from occasional inclusion to sustained presence — integrating Indigenous perspectives into everyday literacy instruction in ways that are relevant, accurate, and ongoing.

March 24, 2026 Cindy Downend, Director

A School Leader’s Guide to Observing Reading Comprehension Instruction

Teaching children to think critically, analytically, and deeply about texts is no easy endeavor. What should you listen for when observing text-based comprehension work in the classroom? Here are six questions to ask to help you sharpen your lens on comprehension instruction.