Successful Structured Literacy Lessons: A Blueprint for Clarity and Confidence for Teachers

About the Presenters

Stacy Hurst is an Assistant Professor of Teacher Education at Southern Utah University, where she teaches courses in literacy and early childhood education. She also serves as one of six members of the Science of Reading Faculty for the state of Utah. Stacy holds degrees in sociology and elementary education, as well as a master’s degree in education. Over her 20-plus years as an educator, she has been a first-grade teacher, ELL teacher, literacy coach, and reading specialist. Her extensive experience includes coordinating and providing interventions for struggling readers and training teachers in structured approaches to literacy instruction. Stacy is the Chief Academic Advisor for Reading Horizons, co-author of a foundational literacy program, and a founding member of the Utah Literacy Coalition. She is passionate about literacy and believes that learning to read well is a civil right.

Papae Wymore is a professor at Central College in Pella, Iowa, where she teaches a range of courses, including literacy classes. She holds a master’s degree in elementary education along with endorsements in K-8 Reading, 5-12 Reading, and a 5-8 Middle School Generalist. Additionally, she earned an Administrator License and is authorized to serve in PK-12 Principal and PK-12 Special Education Supervisor. With over 20-plus years in education, Papae has served in preparing pre-service teachers, as a kindergarten teacher, and a middle school at-risk coordinator and exploratory teacher.

She is a founding member and President of The Reading League Iowa. She serves on the Literacy Leadership Team and the Model Code of Ethics for Educators Team for the Iowa Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, and on the Iowa Reading Research Center Advisory Council. Additionally, Papae is a consultant and advisory member for Reading Horizons.

Dr. Vicki Piquette is an accomplished educator with over 18 years of experience in online, hybrid, and in-person instruction, specializing in reading, language, and literacy. As a faculty member at Colorado State University Pueblo, Dr. Piquette is deeply committed to preparing future educators and equipping current teachers with the skills to excel in reading, writing, and literacy instruction. She has presented at national conferences on diverse topics, including course design, literacy partnerships with school districts, and a structured literacy approach to language education. A passionate advocate for lifelong learning, Dr. Piquette continually explores new, research-driven strategies to elevate teacher effectiveness and students’ educational outcomes.