COLUMBUS – Teachers and administrators from Bridgeport Exempted Village School District learned about some of the latest tools to strengthen literacy among students during the 2026 ReadOhio Literacy Academy. The Bridgeport team joined hundreds of other educators from across the state June 3-4 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
Hosted by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, the annual academy focused on strengthening literacy instruction through research-based practices, collaboration, and system-wide improvement. This year’s theme, “Integrating Systems for Student Success,”emphasized aligning curriculum, instruction, and intervention efforts to improve reading outcomes for all students.
A Statewide Focus on Literacy Excellence
The Bridgeport attendees met a wide range of colleagues. The two-day event brought together educators, administrators, and literacy experts from across Ohio and beyond for intensive professional learning. Sessions began with keynote presentations and continued through a series of breakout workshops designed to provide practical strategies that educators and administrators can apply immediately in their classrooms and schools.
The Bridgeport teachers and administrators heard insights from nationally recognized speakers including Dr. Tessie Bailey and Kareem Weaver, who highlighted the importance of implementing structured literacy practices and building systems that support every learner.
To everyone’s delight, Governor Mike DeWine made an appearance and provided a very heartfelt message to all in attendance. His support for strong literacy initiatives throughout Ohio was appreciated by all.
Bridgeport Schools benefits from such an opportunity. In the summer of 2025, the district was notified that the team’s hard work paid off and they were awarded one of the competitive Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grants. This four-year competitive grant began its implementation during the 2025-2026 school year and will conclude after the 2028-2029 school year.
Bridgeport Schools Curriculum Director, and CLSD Grant Lead Leslie Kosanovic said this has been invaluable in pursuing Bridgeport Schools’ commitment to student literacy.
“This grant has allowed us to employ a Literacy Coach for our middle school building for four years and to provide integral literacy professional development that will enhance the teaching and learning in our district for years to come. We are so grateful to Governor DeWine, his team, and the literacy team at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce for this wonderful opportunity.”
Inside the Agenda: Collaboration and Practical Learning
The academy’s agenda was structured to maximize both learning and collaboration. On the afternoon of June 3, the Bridgeport team attended a keynote session followed by breakout sessions focused on topics such as curriculum implementation, writing instruction, and planning effective reading interventions.
June 4 offered a full day of professional learning, including additional keynote remarks and multiple rounds of breakout sessions covering areas such as practical writing strategies across subject areas, family engagement in literacy development, effective literacy interventions for elementary and secondary students, executive functioning and its role in reading success, and coaching and leadership strategies for continuous improvement.
A key message throughout the academy was that improving literacy outcomes requires a coordinated effort from classroom instruction to district-wide planning. Presenters emphasized using Ohio’s Integrated Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework to ensure that every student receives the right level of support at the right time.
Kosanovic said Bridgeport educators found some valuable takeaways. The presenters reviewed how to strengthen core reading instruction through the science of reading and the use of data to guide interventions and monitor student progress. Other options included building stronger partnerships with families to support literacy at home. They can also expand teacher leadership and coaching models within schools.
She said the academy reinforced the idea that literacy is foundational to student success, not only in English language arts but across all content areas. For the Bridgeport teachers and administrators who attended, the experience was both energizing and impactful, providing inspiration, practical strategies, and a shared vision for improving literacy outcomes for every student.
