Dawn Jagannath

Riverside Learning is thrilled to have Dawn Jagannath on the team! Dawn brings a rich and diverse background in literacy, special education, classroom instruction, intervention, curriculum leadership, and professional learning. Her career has been shaped by a deep commitment to helping students become successful readers and helping educators use research and data to make informed instructional decisions.

Dawn currently serves as a Reading Specialist at Beatrice H. Wood School in Plainville, where she works with students in grades 3–6 and provides targeted, data-driven literacy interventions. Her work draws heavily on Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading, including a multisensory, speech-to-print approach. She regularly analyzes literacy screening and progress-monitoring data, monitors student growth, and adjusts instruction based on student needs. She also collaborates with classroom teachers to strengthen Tier 2 literacy practices and align intervention with core instruction.

Beyond her work directly with students, Dawn has extensive experience supporting educators and advancing literacy initiatives at the school and district levels. She has coached teachers in evidence-based literacy practices, including UFLI phonics and Wit & Wisdom, and has provided professional development focused on Structured Literacy, the Science of Reading, the five components of literacy, academic discourse, and research-based book studies. She has also served as a Structured Literacy professional development course instructor and contributed to the development of a district-wide literacy action plan supporting a transition to a structured literacy model.

Dawn's experience extends well beyond literacy intervention. Throughout her career, she has served as a classroom teacher, special education teacher, teacher mentor, curriculum leader, family engagement coordinator, and Social Emotional Leadership Team member. As a teacher mentor, she supported new educators and contributed to school-wide initiatives. As a Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator, she guided K–6 educators in curriculum pacing, resource selection, and instructional alignment. She has also designed family engagement initiatives intended to strengthen home-school partnerships and increase student engagement.

Dawn also brings a valuable perspective on the connection between research and practice. Since January 2025, she has served as a Reading Analyst with the National Council on Teacher Quality, analyzing literacy-related policies, coursework, and instructional materials for alignment with evidence-based reading research. Her professional learning includes specialized training in Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading, including ThinkSRSD, the Hill for Literacy Virtual Series, EBLI, and Reading Simplified.

Dawn's academic preparation reflects the breadth of her expertise. She holds a master's degree in Literacy Education from Roger Williams University, a graduate certificate in School Climate & SEL from William James College, a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education from Rhode Island College, and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Science of Learning with a concentration in Language and Literacy at Gordon College. Her Massachusetts certifications include Reading Specialist (K–12), Elementary Education, Moderate Disabilities, SEI, and Administrator: Supervisor/Director.

At Riverside Learning, Dawn brings together research, classroom experience, literacy expertise, data-informed intervention, and a genuine commitment to supporting educators and students. Her ability to connect evidence-based practices with the realities of classroom instruction makes her a valuable resource for schools and districts looking to strengthen literacy instruction and student outcomes.

Riverside Learning is thrilled to have Dawn on the team and looks forward to the expertise, energy, and perspective she will bring to our district partnerships and professional learning opportunities.

Do you want to bring Dawn to your district to support teaching and learning? Email us today at info@riversidelearning.net.