Academic Support

Deane Elementary partners with the district to provide academic support to help students get back on track. These team of amazing educators helps our students in so many ways, see below to learn more! 

Gwen Roberts, Instructional Specialist

Tiffany Shelander, MTSS Instructional Specialist

Their role includes:

• Identifying a student’s specific reading needs (like phonics, fluency, or comprehension).

• Providing intensive, small-group or one-on-one instruction using research-based methods.

• Partnering with classroom teachers to ensure the best literacy support for every child.

Sara Birkey, TOSA Elem Lit Interventionist

• Instructional Expert: They are a specialized teacher who provides intensive, small-group or one-on-one literacy instruction focused on closing reading and writing skill gaps for struggling students.

• Data-Driven Diagnostician: They use specific diagnostic assessments to identify the precise reason a student is struggling (e.g., phonics, fluency, or comprehension) and constantly monitor progress to adjust the intervention plan.

• Teacher Coach and Collaborator: They support the entire school by coaching classroom teachers on research-based literacy strategies and working with school teams to coordinate comprehensive reading support for all learners.