Closing the K-3 Reading Gap: One School’s Journey

Presented by Dr. Traci Kervin, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Seaside Charter Schools (FL); Sarah Holt Academic Instructional Coach, Seaside Charter Schools (FL); and Sam Deffes, Senior Literacy Advisor, Professional Learning and Academic Partnerships; Learning Without Tears Sponsored by Learning Without Tears Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. Implementing science-based reading instruction while navigating new literacy legislation can feel overwhelming. How do school systems move beyond compliance to achieve measurable classroom impact? This edWebinar is a case study where leaders from Seaside Charter in Jacksonville, FL, will share how a strategic partnership with Learning Without Tears, combined with focused professional learning and intentional collaboration, helped close reading gaps and strengthen teacher effectiveness. Through the perspectives of a curriculum director, classroom educator, and Learning Without Tears partner, you’ll discover: Attendees will leave with actionable frameworks, evaluation tools, and professional learning insights to help transform literacy instruction and build a tailored roadmap for measurable student growth. This edWebinar will be of interest to K-3 teachers, school leaders, and district leaders. Dr. Traci Kervin is the Director of Curriculum for Seaside Charter Schools in Jacksonville, Florida, where she leads the development of a K–8 curriculum that integrates Waldorf-inspired pedagogy with state academic standards. With more than 20 years of experience in public education, she has served as a Professional Development Consultant for Curriculum Associates, a Math Supervisor for Duval County Public Schools, and a classroom teacher. Dr. Kervin has also taught at the university level and holds a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Florida State University. Sarah Holt is an educator and curriculum leader based in Jacksonville, Florida. She currently serves as a K–8 Academic Coach at Seaside Charter School, where she designs standards-aligned curricula and supports teachers through coaching, professional learning communities, and collaborative planning. Sarah is passionate about improving literacy outcomes through research-based instruction and the Science of Reading. She holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction in early childhood from Arizona State University and has taught kindergarten and first grade in both Waldorf-inspired and classical education settings. Sam Deffes has been an educator for over 19 years. She began her career at SP Livingston Elementary in Duval County and taught grades K-4 where she led the MTSS team. She also served Duval County as a Reading Coach and District Literacy Specialist. Sam is an accomplished professional development facilitator, coach, and content developer. She received her master’s degree from the University of Florida with a focus on curriculum and instruction in reading. Sam lives in Middleburg, FL,