Katie Thill

Literacy is more than being a

"Good" Reader

Katie Thill

When I became a teacher, I always felt literacy was one of the key ingredients in education to truly impact a child’s success as a learner. Being an Elementary Spanish teacher I knew I wanted to expand my knowledge of literacy, mainly in order to bridge the gap between those who are fluent in English and those who are English Language Learners. In the spring of 2012, I started my first class in the Master's in Education online program at MSU with a Literacy Concentration.

At the time, my current knowledge of literacy was based on making my students successful readers. Therefore, I felt one of the most influential ways I can help my students is by creating a Spanish and English literacy program with a curriculum capable of helping students become confident readers. This became my main goal when applying for a Master’s in Literacy. Another goal I had as an educator was to help students reach their full potential by recognizing their gifts to express themselves and inspiring them to use their gifts to better the world. I believed inspiring students to be life-long readers was the key to this goal. Lastly, in terms of a long term professional goal, I wanted to develop a teaching style that creates an environment where my students can grow and learn according to their unique style of learning. Again, I felt this teaching style would include how well I was able to show students how to read. Therefore, before even starting my Master’s, I truly believed most of my classes would center on how to make students better readers.

Wake up call. The word and definition of literate encompasses so much more than reading, and being a good reader. Looking back, I had multiple misconceptions about what literacy truly meant and what it means to be literate. My Master’s courses have completely changed my viewpoint. They have taught me how to feel more accepting and knowledgeable on how all students learn. Even though my major is Literacy, my knowledge gained from each of the courses goes far beyond learning strategies on how to improve students' writing and reading abilities.

From my courses I was able to fulfill my first goal and create a Spanish and English curriculum centered on improving students as readers in a foreign language.  This curriculum also turned into something I could share with fellow educators and build upon based on student needs. Over the past two years I have learned how to accommodate and modify assignments for struggling writers, implement technology interventions for my students with special needs and ASD, and create an entire website devoted to assistive technologies that will help students grow as readers and writers. Additionally, I have a solid background of classroom management skills and am able to create a positive atmosphere and environment that is safe and focused on student learning.  Overall, I have become more confident in myself as a teacher and feel as though I am starting to grow into a successful educator. I have received more than I could have ever thought from my Master’s degree, and the increase in payment is just a small perk :)