A Message from the OKLA Chair, Sharon Morgan:
Members of the Oklahoma Literacy Association,
Greetings and warm wishes to each of you! It is with great excitement and enthusiasm that I step into the role of Chair for the Oklahoma Literacy Association (OKLA) for the 2023-2024 school year. My name is Sharon Morgan, and I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this organization in its mission to foster literacy and cultivate a genuine love for reading.
I bring with me a variety of experiences in the field of literacy education. My own journey began as a 1st-grade teacher, where I had the privilege of guiding eager young learners through the transformative journey of learning to read. Witnessing the spark of comprehension in their eyes as they unlocked the world of words is nothing short of magical. These early experiences taught me the importance of literacy and instilling a joy of reading and writing in every student.
As the Program Director for Early Childhood and Elementary Literacy at the Oklahoma State Department of Education, I am proud to be part of a state that invests in literacy. Over the last two years, over 5,000 Oklahoma educators have participated in LETRS training. A new team of 15 literacy coordinators and specialists will be working across the state to support schools in improving literacy. Oklahoma has revised the Oklahoma Academic Standards for English Language Arts and Frameworks to ensure they reflect the most current research. Oklahoma has also released a new Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Handbook to support educators and families in meeting the unique needs of all students. I am honored to be involved in shaping literacy initiatives and strategies that impact our students' growth. However, what truly lies at the heart of my journey is my dedication to teaching and nurturing young minds to become confident and proficient readers and writers.
Across our state, I've had the privilege to witness the exceptional work that educators and administrators are doing in literacy instruction. Their dedication to cultivating a love for reading and writing among students is truly inspiring. From engaging lessons that captivate even the most reluctant readers to innovative strategies that awaken curiosity and creativity, Oklahoma's educators are shaping the future of our children through literacy.
In this new capacity as OKLA’s Chair, I am eager to build upon the legacy that the Oklahoma Literacy Association has carved out. Just as our dedicated educators inspire students each day, I am committed to championing the cause of literacy. As Frederick Douglass so eloquently put it in one of my favorite quotes, "Once you learn to read, you will forever be free."
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to literacy education. Together, we can ignite a passion for reading in the hearts of Oklahoma's students and empower them to embrace a future of limitless possibilities.
With warm regards,
Sharon Morgan
Chair, Oklahoma Literacy Association
Program Director, Early Childhood and Elementary Literacy, Oklahoma State Department of Education
Greetings and warm wishes to each of you! It is with great excitement and enthusiasm that I step into the role of Chair for the Oklahoma Literacy Association (OKLA) for the 2023-2024 school year. My name is Sharon Morgan, and I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this organization in its mission to foster literacy and cultivate a genuine love for reading.
I bring with me a variety of experiences in the field of literacy education. My own journey began as a 1st-grade teacher, where I had the privilege of guiding eager young learners through the transformative journey of learning to read. Witnessing the spark of comprehension in their eyes as they unlocked the world of words is nothing short of magical. These early experiences taught me the importance of literacy and instilling a joy of reading and writing in every student.
As the Program Director for Early Childhood and Elementary Literacy at the Oklahoma State Department of Education, I am proud to be part of a state that invests in literacy. Over the last two years, over 5,000 Oklahoma educators have participated in LETRS training. A new team of 15 literacy coordinators and specialists will be working across the state to support schools in improving literacy. Oklahoma has revised the Oklahoma Academic Standards for English Language Arts and Frameworks to ensure they reflect the most current research. Oklahoma has also released a new Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Handbook to support educators and families in meeting the unique needs of all students. I am honored to be involved in shaping literacy initiatives and strategies that impact our students' growth. However, what truly lies at the heart of my journey is my dedication to teaching and nurturing young minds to become confident and proficient readers and writers.
Across our state, I've had the privilege to witness the exceptional work that educators and administrators are doing in literacy instruction. Their dedication to cultivating a love for reading and writing among students is truly inspiring. From engaging lessons that captivate even the most reluctant readers to innovative strategies that awaken curiosity and creativity, Oklahoma's educators are shaping the future of our children through literacy.
In this new capacity as OKLA’s Chair, I am eager to build upon the legacy that the Oklahoma Literacy Association has carved out. Just as our dedicated educators inspire students each day, I am committed to championing the cause of literacy. As Frederick Douglass so eloquently put it in one of my favorite quotes, "Once you learn to read, you will forever be free."
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to literacy education. Together, we can ignite a passion for reading in the hearts of Oklahoma's students and empower them to embrace a future of limitless possibilities.
With warm regards,
Sharon Morgan
Chair, Oklahoma Literacy Association
Program Director, Early Childhood and Elementary Literacy, Oklahoma State Department of Education
