Shawna Coppola: Literacy for all Truly Means Everyone

Our conversation explores the links between identity and literacy, the importance of teachers exploring their own identity and where that can be found in the literacy they create and consume, as well as what we can do to help our students in their exploration of both the individual identity and how literacy can help us better understand those with whom we share our communities and the planet on which we live. We explore the opportunities to shine lights on those who have been less visible in all aspects and modalities of literature and writing and the importance of being aware of the advantages and disadvantages that exist for people of the majority and minority in any society.

Shawna's work in her most recent book invites readers to consider 5 Principles to guide their literacy work in the classroom:

Principle #1: Literacy involves both cognitive processes and social practices.

Principle #2: Identity and literacy are inextricably linked.

Principle #3: All human beings engage in literacy and language practices that are both valid and valuable.

Principle #4: Meaning-making occurs within a variety of equally valid communicative channels or modes.

Principle #5: Literacy can be used as a tool for liberation as well as a tool for oppression.

Coppola, Shawna. Literacy for All: A Framework for Anti-Oppressive Teaching (Equity and Social Justice in Education Series) (p. 51). Taylor and Francis. Kindle Edition

About our Guest:

Shawna Coppola has over two decades of experience teaching from Kindergarten through to University students. The majority of her professional life has been spent teaching literacy to middle school-age children as well as serving as a literacy specialist/coach in a k-6 school. Currently, Shawna spends most of her time writing, facilitating engaging professional learning opportunities for educators, and speaking at national education conferences. The author of three books and a Fellow/Literacy consultant with The Educator Collaborative, a K-12 Think Tank and professional development organization. Shawna is a member of the faculty at the University of New Hampshire's Learning Through Teaching program.

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