This conversation will add a little spring to your step for sure! Join us for the 2026 Spring Conversation with Allison Taylor of Georgia and Rachel Plunkett of Connecticut. See below for information about our guests.

What is it like to implement Structured Literacy in the classroom? How can using this instructional approach reach all learners, with the goal of all becoming successful readers and writers?

*Please register by 8 am, April 1. Be on the lookout for the Zoom link to arrive in your inbox (or a subfolder) on Wednesday, April 1 by noon. Email us at info@idaga.org if you cannot find your link. BE CAREFUL WHEN ENTERING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. We often discover too late typos in the email addresses.

When we talk about Structured Literacy, the words integrated and flexible should come to mind. It is an approach guided by the science of reading and learning. Structured Literacy classrooms will not all look exactly alike, but they will share common threads rooted in the approach’s principles. Learn more here: https://ga.dyslexiaida.org/what-is-structured-literacy/

“Structured Literacy is a comprehensive, integrated approach to reading and writing instruction that directly and systematically builds on and develops oral language while explicitly teaching the structure of written language. Using this research-based approach, educators integrate the teaching of the foundational and higher-order skills and knowledge needed to develop proficient reading comprehension and written expression.”

Our Guests:

Rachel Plunkett
I am a third-grade teacher with East Lyme Public Schools in East Lyme, CT and am currently in my 16th year as an educator. This is my second year implementing Structured Literacy practices in the classroom, with a focus on strengthening Tier 1 instruction through intentional planning and the consistent use of research-based lesson structures.

As a lifelong learner, I actively seek opportunities to refine my practice. I collaborate closely with our literacy consultant through ongoing coaching cycles, with this year’s work centered on strengthening small group instruction. I also attended the IDA Conference, where I deepened my understanding of evidence-based literacy practices and have continued to apply that learning to further strengthen my instruction.

In addition to my classroom role, I serve as a district Curriculum Literacy Fellow, focusing on effective implementation of our literacy resource and developing an implementation guide to support other third-grade teachers. I am also a member of our district Literacy Leadership Team, where we work collaboratively to advance our district’s literacy goals.

I am passionate about improving core instruction and developing effective small group practices to better meet the needs of all learners. I look forward to connecting with fellow educators to share how implementing Structured Literacy and following a clear lesson structure has strengthened my Tier 1 instruction while also providing meaningful guidance for facilitating small group learning—an area I remain deeply committed to growing and refining throughout my teaching career.

Allison Taylor

Allison Taylor is a classroom teacher in Georgia with over 20 years of experience in early childhood education and currently teaches second grade. A passionate advocate for structured literacy, she emphasizes systematic and explicit instruction in her daily teaching and in the professional learning she shares with other educators. Allison believes that lives truly depend on literacy, and she finds joy in helping every child discover the confidence and power that comes with being a reader.

Allison was a guest panelist for the Hopeville: Hope for Georgia event held at the Central Library in Atlanta. The recording of that discussion can be found on the IDA-GA YouTube Channel here. 

Allison was also invited to give the Classroom Teacher voice in the Opening Session of the IDA National Conference in Atlanta, Through Their Lens. Learn more here.