“The professional development that our teachers received for the Puzzle Piece Phonics was engaging and thorough. Our teachers were ready to implement the program in their classrooms the following day. There were opportunities for the teachers to be involved through every step of the professional development. They also had the opportunity to use the curriculum with their students and then had follow up sessions with the authors in each of their classrooms.”
- Barbara Falkenbury, Literacy Specialist
Who we are.
We met teaching on a First Grade team together in Charlotte, NC. Our teaching styles could not have been more different! The thing that brought us together was our passion for literacy. As our year began, we struggled with new, rigorous expectations for students and their reading levels. Through trial and error, old and new ideas, & endless amounts of supplemental material, we realized we needed to change our phonics instruction. We worked together to create a new pacing guide and phonics resources for both us and our students! After seeing tremendous growth with our own students and students in our district, we went on a mission to make our phonics resources available to all students! Why share? Because that’s what teachers do—it’s in our DNA. When we find something that works and creates a “lightbulb moment” for students, the first thing you want to do (after celebrating student success) is go share with other teachers. That is why we are so excited to share Puzzle Piece Phonics with YOU.
Danielle James.
Pictured on the left you will find Danielle James, a native of North Carolina raised in Asheville. Although she lives in Charlotte, Asheville will always be home. When the opportunity is available Danielle enjoys disconnecting from the everyday world of technology and can be found camping or enjoying soaking in the small moments with her young son!
Elise Lund.
Pictured to the left is Elise Lund. Elise is a transplant to Charlotte. She is originally from the heart of it all… Ohio! After graduating from Marietta College she made the big move down south and has reluctantly added “ya’ll” to her vocabulary. Elise can be found socializing and catching up on her reality TV. When not at home, she enjoys the great outdoors and travels every chance she gets!