What does literacy mean to you?
Literacy, to me, is far more than the ability to read and write; it is the ability to be seen, heard, and remembered. Growing up dyslexic, I learned early that traditional definitions of literacy often exclude minds that process language differently. Yet, that struggle became the foundation of my identity as an educator. Because literacy did not come easily, I learned perseverance, creativity, and self-advocacy. I discovered that comprehension, storytelling, critical thinking, and oral language were strengths long before my decoding skills caught up. Literacy, I realized, is not a single skill but a collection of tools that allow individuals to navigate and make meaning of the world. Because I once stood where many of my students stand now, literacy is deeply personal to me. It represents growth, advocacy, and the power of being understood. Ultimately, literacy means ensuring that every learner, regardless of how they read or write, knows that their story matters—and that they have the tools to tell it.
