In this episode, I sit down with Markesha Tisby, M.Ed., founder and CEO of Tisby Educational Consulting, to explore the critical importance of K-2 instruction and how foundational literacy sets the stage for long-term academic success. A former early childhood teacher and coach, Markesha shares strategies for integrating phonics into all content areas and building joyful, rigorous instruction that supports young readers.
Key Takeaways:
Phonics instruction can and should be woven into all subjects—not just reading blocks.
School leaders should focus on both instructional practice and student engagement during early literacy walkthroughs.
Teachers benefit from routines, research-backed resources, and time to deeply understand foundational reading strategies.
Slowing down instruction in the early grades can lead to faster, more sustainable growth in later years.
Connect with Markesh Tisby:
LinkedIn: Tisby Educational Consulting (https://www.linkedin.com/company/tisby-educational-consulting)
Website: www.tisbyconsultant.com – Schedule a consultation today!
Texas Council of Teachers of English Language Arts: tctela.org
Recommended Reading:
6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom (https://www.routledge.com/Shifting-the-Balance-Grades-K-2-6-Ways-to-Bring-the-Science-of-Reading-into-the-Balanced-Literacy-Classroom/Burkins-Yates/p/book/9781625315106?srsltid=AfmBOoq69NpP-1bsyyRbrTnOzW27Qqdb8OsIPYdK5Ao63gKDB5k1Bbmo)
Reading Above the Frey: Reliable, Research-Based Routines for Developing Decoding Skills
Fear Not the Decodable: Why? When? How?(https://blog.heinemann.com/fear-not-the-decodable-why-when-how)
CheckBox Pro (https://www.checkboxpro.com/) - learn more about the services CheckBox Pro offers to make the work of school leaders more sustainable
Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ
