A Message from our 2025-2026 OKLA Chair, Rori Hodges
Welcome, fellow literacy lovers! |
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My name is Rori Hodges, and I am honored to serve as Chair of OKLA for the 2025-2026 school year. If you're here, it's because you share something I've carried with me for most of my life—a deep love for reading and writing and a belief in their power to open doors for every student.
My journey in education began in 1995 when I opened a home childcare business after being laid off from my job. I quickly decided that I wanted to do more than just "babysit" young children, so I created a full-blown preschool program and began working diligently with my small group to get them ready for school! Over a decade later I decided to become a non-traditional college student and began to process of obtaining my bachelor's degree in early childhood. I was working full time and raising three young boys, so it took me seven years...BUT I DID IT! In 2009, I excitedly stepped into my first PreK classroom. For ten years, I had the joy of watching our youngest learners discover the magic of stories and the excitement of putting their own ideas on paper. I then spent five years teaching 3rd grade, where I saw firsthand how strong literacy skills become the foundation for everything else students tackle in school and beyond. Since January 2024, I've served as an Early Childhood Specialist at the Oklahoma State Department of Education, where I continue to advocate for literacy as a cornerstone of educational success.
Whether you're teaching PreK or graduate students, working in a bustling suburban school or a close-knit rural community, you know the truth: literacy transforms lives. It opens up worlds, builds confidence, and creates opportunities. That's what OKLA is all about—supporting you in this vital work.
As a member of OKLA, you'll find a community that truly understands the challenges and triumphs of literacy education. Our annual spring conference brings together inspiring speakers, research-based strategies, and practical tools you can use in your classroom right away. Our summer leadership series and book clubs offer deeper dives into topics that matter most to you. And our peer-reviewed journal, The Oklahoma Reader, keeps you connected to the latest thinking in our field.
But beyond the events and resources, what makes OKLA special is you—the dedicated educators who show up every day to nurture readers, writers, and thinkers. Together, we're building a future where every Oklahoma student has the literacy skills they need to thrive.
I invite you to explore our website, discover our membership benefits, and join us in this important work. Whether you're a veteran teacher or just beginning your career, there's a place for you in the OKLA family.
Thank you for your commitment to Oklahoma's students. I look forward to connecting with you!
Warm regards,
Rori Hodges
Chair, Oklahoma Literacy Association
Early Childhood Specialist, Oklahoma State Department of Education
Oklahoma Literacy Association Facebook Group
