Literacy Success for Every Learner at TUSD

Summary:

In this episode of the Literacy Mindset, Dr. Sabrina Salmon, Senior Director of Exceptional Students at Tucson Unified School District, shares her journey into education and the importance of literacy in student success. She discusses the district's diverse population, the implementation of a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS), and the significance of early intervention programs. Dr. Salmon emphasizes the challenges faced by students with literacy difficulties and the role of technology in enhancing learning opportunities. The conversation also touches on the importance of collaboration among educational departments and the need for motivation in student engagement.

Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Sabrina Salmon

01:29 Dr. Salmon's Journey to Education

06:25 Overview of Tucson Unified School District

07:35 The Importance of Literacy in Education

10:01 Collaboration in Curriculum Decisions

11:48 Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Framework

13:11 Intervention Strategies for Reading Skills

15:39 Early Intervention and Pre-K Curriculum

17:14 Literacy Challenges in IEPs

18:08 Motivating Students Through Sports and Activities

20:17 Challenges in Early Literacy and Reading Scores

22:00 Centralized vs. Decentralized Decision Making in Education

24:27 Embracing Technology in Education

27:56 Navigating Access and Equity in Technology

30:20 Feedback for Educational Technology Providers

32:47 Concerns and Excitement for the Future of Education

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Educators will appreciate this episode for its honest, practical look at what it takes to support diverse learners in today’s classrooms. Dr. Sabrina Salmon offers clear, experience-driven insights into how MTSS, early intervention, and cross-department collaboration can transform literacy outcomes—especially for exceptional students. Her reflections on motivation, technology integration, and student engagement provide actionable ideas you can take back to your own district or campus. Whether you're a classroom teacher, coach, or district leader, you’ll walk away inspired and better equipped to help every learner thrive.

Connect with Dr. Salmon on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrina-salmon-phd-lmft-0b6ba51/

Follow Us On:
-Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-pendleton-2a614b26/

-Company LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindplayeducation/posts/?feedView=all

-Website: https://mindplay.com/

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