What Strong Reading Looks Like in Secondary Classrooms: From Guessing to Grounded

Presented by Sharon Alonso, Experienced Educator, District Administrator, Hillsborough County Public Schools (FL); Nimat Jones, Experienced Educator, Director of Teaching and Learning, Dunecrest American School; and Brenda Aston, Experienced Educator, Middle School ELA Teacher, Tacoma Public Schools (WA) Sponsored by Zinc Learning Labs Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. The gains we see from early literacy instruction fade when reading support doesn’t continue into the secondary years. This edWebinar explores what the Science of Reading tells us about how adolescents build knowledge, vocabulary, and text-based understanding. We’ll focus on the comprehension habits that deliver reading success, even in classrooms with limited time and a wide range of reading levels. Attendees will leave with a clear, practical approach for getting rid of vague, distracting guesses and grounding students in text. This edWebinar will be of interest to middle and high school teachers, librarians, and school leaders. Sharon Alonso is a seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience in K–12 education and currently serves as a Coordinator of Accelerated Programs for Hillsborough County Public Schools. In this district-level role, she supports the implementation and expansion of advanced academic programs, working closely with school leaders and instructional teams. Sharon previously served as a K–12 writing supervisor and a district writing coach for middle grades, where she focused on strengthening literacy instruction and student achievement. With more than 15 years of experience as a professional learning writer and facilitator, she has led professional learning in curriculum design and effective pedagogy for educators across the country. Based in Tampa, Florida, Sharon is committed to strengthening instructional practices and creating more opportunities for students to succeed through meaningful, engaging learning experiences. As a writer weaving tales on the page and screen, Nimat Jones finds joy in crafting stories and absorbing them as an avid reader. Her love for the arts extends beyond literature to visual and cultural exploration during her global travels, where she seeks inspiration through outdoor adventures from serene shores to rugged peaks. Nimat’s dedication to education spans two decades across roles in teaching English, coaching, professional learning facilitation, and instructional leadership. Consulting and collaborating with organizations like the College Board and Zinc Learning Labs have enriched her perspective, deepening her passion for advancing adolescent literacy and equitable environments that empower both students and adults. As Nimat embraces a new chapter in international education, she eagerly anticipates immersing herself in UAE culture as the Director of Teaching and Learning at Dunecrest American School. Brenda Aston is an experienced educator of 30 years, with experience as a middle s