Literacy Fellowship

Model of Impact: Improving the Teacher Workforce and Reading Growth

Over the next three years, The Leaders Readers Network (TLRN) aims to strengthen the teacher workforce by partnering with regional universities, education service centers, and first-year teacher programs. Our goal is to improve teacher retention and literacy achievement in Texas by equipping educators—at every stage of their careers—with the resources, support, and community they need to succeed.

The Challenge: Teacher Retention & Literacy Gaps

Public schools in the U.S. face alarmingly high teacher attrition rates and persistently low literacy achievement, particularly in historically underfunded schools. These challenges disproportionately impact economically disadvantaged students. Below are key statistics that highlight the urgent need for equitable access to high-quality, diverse, and culturally relevant books:

National Data:

14% of students read for fun on a daily basis, a decline of 13 percentage points since 2012.
31% of students never or rarely read for leisure (National Assessment of Educational Progress, NAEP).
68% of U.S. 4th graders are not proficient in reading (NAEP).

Texas Data:

According to the Texas Education Agency (2023), the 2022 Texas Academic Performance Report identifies 5,402,928 students in Texas.
61% of these students are economically disadvantaged.
52% of 3rd-grade students are not reading at grade level.
Texas schools serve a majority ethnically diverse student body, with 53% identifying as Hispanic and 13% as African American.

These statistics underscore the urgent need for strategic interventions that address literacy achievement and support educator retention in Texas and beyond.

Given these alarming statistics, the educators and campus leaders we partner with are working in schools where a high percentage of students face systemic barriers to literacy success. Teacher burnout—intensified by the pandemic—has only magnified these challenges. It is now more critical than ever for school and district leaders to adopt collaborative leadership and community partnership models to improve educator retention and student achievement.

TLRN’S Model for Impact

Founded in 2019, the Literacy Fellowship reimagines how schools provide educators with literacy resources, community support, and professional growth opportunities. By partnering with educators at all career stages, we empower teachers to drive literacy growth in their classrooms, schools, and communities.

Our Fellowship provides:
📚 Classroom libraries and state-aligned literacy lessons
🤝 Collaborative partnerships with fellow educators
📖 Service projects that engage students and community members
🎓 Professional development and mentorship opportunities
👥 Support from a dedicated educator network

Through program evaluation and continuous improvement, the Literacy Fellowship has expanded nationally, increasing access to literacy resources while enhancing teacher retention. Our model fosters a positive reading culture and equips educators with the tools to make a lasting impact.

How We Support Educators at Every Career Stage

The Literacy Fellowship provides three tailored levels of support to meet the needs of educators throughout their professional journey:

1. Early Career Support

For aspiring teachers in educator preparation programs or certification pathways.

Classroom library with state-aligned lessons
Opportunity to develop new literacy lessons for the TLRN repository
Service project and book giveaway for their mentor/grade-level teachers
End-of-year support, panel discussions, and a poster session to share best practices

2. First-Year & Beginning Teachers (Less than 5 Years of Experience)

For educators looking to deepen their literacy instruction and classroom impact.

Full implementation of the Literacy Fellowship program
Advanced professional development in literacy techniques and curriculum design
Collaborative learning communities
Opportunity to lead a conference session and share school-wide impact

3. Literacy Leaders (2+ Years of TLRN Experience)

For experienced Literacy Fellowship members ready to take on leadership roles.

Advanced curriculum development and innovative literacy practices
Virtual and in-person professional development opportunities
Hosting and presenting at the Annual Literacy Fellowship Impact Conference in San Antonio
Leadership opportunities in district-wide Fellowship expansion
2 book giveaways and access to all service projects
Mentorship role within the Fellowship community
Committee service for conference planning and support

Each level is designed to empower educators with the tools, resources, and community they need to create sustainable literacy initiatives. Together, we are building a stronger teacher workforce and ensuring all students have the opportunity to thrive as skilled, confident readers.

TLRN’s Literacy Fellowship is serving educators in these regions:

The Leaders Readers Network (TLRN) Literacy Fellowship directly supports educators in districts across key regions in Texas and expanding in regions across the United States, including:

South Texas: San Antonio and surrounding counties (Medina, Uvalde, Frio and Comal County)
Texas Panhandle: Amarillo, Canyon, Hereford, Pampa, and surrounding 26 counties
West Texas: Lubbock, Lamesa, Midland, and Fort Stockton
Central Texas: Austin, Waco, Temple, and Killeen
North Texas: Dallas/Fort Worth area
Gulf Coast Region: Houston region
Eastern Colorado and Denver Metro area
Los Angeles
Las Vegas
Tri-State Area

This initiative empowers educators by providing essential resources, professional support, and literacy-driven service opportunities, ensuring students receive the tools they need to succeed.

Apply today!