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 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.