1 out of 5
3rd-5th grade students are reading on grade level in Memphis.
We’re here to change that.
Memphis public schools are experiencing a literacy crisis with troubling implications for the social, cultural, and economic development of the city. Research demonstrates a clear and troubling link between the toxic stresses of poverty and reading ability. Therefore, to address this crisis, ALLMemphis empowers teachers and literacy coaches in our community with the skills necessary to meet the unique learning needs of our youth.
Our method helps all, hurts none, and transforms some.
Our Mission
Ensuring educational equity by equipping schools with a data-driven, research-based language and literacy approach
ALLMemphis’ core initiative is to train teachers and literacy coaches in the methods of Orton-GIllingham — a multi-sensory approach to literacy instruction that has historically been limited to dyslexia therapy and communities of affluence — and then provide a multi-year mentorship to support the implementation of the approach in charter and public schools. Additionally, we serve individual students with one-on-one remediation.
Our Approach
We’re taking on the previously exclusive Orton-Gillingham approach, adapting it to the realities of the Memphis Title I schools, and making it accessible to ALL Memphis learners.
Orton-Gillingham (O-G) is a multisensory approach to reading that has historically been limited to communities of affluence or dyslexia therapy. It has a universal design, meaning it supports ALL students. While dyslexic children and other atypical learners need this intervention, O-G is also applicable for typical learners who are learning to read. By collecting on-going weekly data, we ensure the continuous improvement of growth in student reading.
Get Training & Mentorship at Your School
Since 2017, we have impacted
All students will have received Orton-Gillingham instruction from our trained teachers and will be monitored for progress.
Throughout the year, teachers will receive 40 hours of training by ALLMemphis and will be supported yearlong by coaches and ALLMemphis Program Specialists.
Local schools that have or are currently benefitting from the ALLMemphis curriculum and mentorship approach.
Services
ALLMemphis equips teachers and literacy coaches in partner schools with Orton-Gillingham training, then provides a multi-year in-school mentorship to support the implementation of the approach. Additionally, we support students through individual remediation during the school year and summer.
Training
Our partner school model begins with training K-2 teachers and literacy coaches in the theory and practice of the Orton-Gillingham method. This 40-hour, week-long summer training is the foundation for the ALLMemphis multi-year mentorship.
Mentorship
Over a three-year period, ALLMemphis works with partner schools to ensure the theory and practice learned in training is implemented with integrity. During this time, ALLMemphis collects weekly data to assess student growth and provide recommendations for on-going student support.
Learn about mentorship openings and opportunities at your school.
Flexible Curriculum
ALLMemphis’ curriculum can be used as a Tier I whole-group curriculum or as an intervention to serve the most struggling students.
ALLMemphis Partner Schools
Current Schools
Believe Memphis Academy
Memphis Merit Academy Promise Academy—Hollywood
Shelby County Schools
Vollentine Elementary
Alumni SchoolsShelby County Schools
Chimneyrock Elementary Dexter Elementary Gardenview Elementary Lucy Elementary Sea Isle ElementarySnowden School
Power Center Academy Elementary School—Hickory Hill
KIPP: Memphis Academy Elementary
KIPP: Memphis Collegiate Elementary
KIPP: Memphis Preparatory Elementary
Memphis Delta Preparatory Charter School
Testimonials
ALLMemphis' OG program has been so beneficial to my students. Not only did it help with reading and spelling, but it was my students' favorite part of the day. They enjoyed learning the rules for different sounds. I saw a major difference in their classwork and tests. My scores skyrocketed!! I can't wait to see the long-term benefits as my students transition to the next grade.
Lisa Jones, First-Grade Teacher
ALLMemphis was a tremendously helpful addition to me last year, especially as a first year teacher. Summer training allowed me to revisit phonics in a hands-on way. The ongoing mentorship allowed me to receive quick feedback, and be able to implement in the very next lesson. It was a great experience that helped my student's grow in a huge way!
Jade
KIPP Memphis Collegiate SPED Teacher
What I love most about the ALLMemphis approach to literacy is that it works for
ALL students, both our students who enter our school on grade level, and our
students who are significantly off track. It also works for all teachers; I first
received ALLMemphis training in my seventh year as a teacher, and it transformed
the way I taught my students and the way my students learned! Even with two
Master's degrees, ALLMemphis is by far the best literacy instruction I've
experienced.
Catherine Norman
Literacy Coach
When I think about the achievement/literacy gap that exists particularly with the kids in our city & in the community that we serve, I am most grateful for our partnership with ALLMemphis for the past few years. ALLMemphis offers a comprehensive and balanced approach to teaching phonics, thus allowing us to be responsive to the different learning styles & needs of our students. . . By the midpoint of the year for 2017-2018, 53.9% of Kindergarten students had already made the expected number of steps for the year.
Jeffrey Jenifer
School Leader
As a first year teacher, ALLMemphis' phonics curriculum saved me! I had no experience teaching phonics before, but their lesson plans and PowerPoints were so intuitive and descriptive that it was the best and easiest part of my day! I love that ALLMemphis focuses on auditory and sensory learning as well, as this really helped my students decode words!
Taylor Beardall
First-Grade Teacher
ALLMemphis' Orton Gillingham challenged my students, gave them independence, and fostered lifelong reading skills. 82% of my students left kindergarten on grade level or above according to the STEP measurement. Students were more competent when it came to spelling, decoding, and blending sounds all thanks to ALLMemphis! With ALLMemphis' observations, feedback, and support, my kindergartners are better set up for success in first grade.
Hillarie Henderson
Literacy Coach
Before working with ALLMemphis, I had limited instructional phonics knowledge. I saw how this hole was holding back my students' reading achievement. Through the mentoring and training from this partnership, not only did my knowledge of phonics grow, but my confidence as a leader also grew through the coach training. I'm thankful for the training I received, but even more thankful for the growth my students showed on both STEP and MAP! We crushed our goals, and I have no doubt that a huge part of the growth is a result of the phonics training I received and the lessons my students received because of it. 76% of students in special education achieved or surpassed their STEP growth goal. 90% of students in special education met their typical growth goal in reading MAP, and 60% met their tiered MAP reading growth goal. Thank you!
Kaley Humble
Literacy Coach
Before ALLMemphis began working with us, I had a rudimentary understanding of phonics education. I knew the importance of phonemic awareness, and how to present this to scholars. However, once ALLMemphis started working with us, I received tools and processes that led to better instruction. The multi-sensory instruction allowed different types of learners to excel in their own way, and led to greater growths in developmental spelling, reading, and comprehension. I would recommend ALLMemphis to any educator who wants a deeper understanding of phonics and reading curriculum.
Brian Hansen
Second-Grade SPED Teacher
ALLMemphis' OG program has been so beneficial to my students. Not only did it help with reading and spelling, but it was my students' favorite part of the day. They enjoyed learning the rules for different sounds. I saw a major difference in their classwork and tests. My scores skyrocketed!! I can't wait to see the long-term benefits as my students transition to the next grade.
Lisa Jones, First-Grade Teacher
ALLMemphis was a tremendously helpful addition to me last year, especially as a first year teacher. Summer training allowed me to revisit phonics in a hands-on way. The ongoing mentorship allowed me to receive quick feedback, and be able to implement in the very next lesson. It was a great experience that helped my student's grow in a huge way!
Jade
KIPP Memphis Collegiate SPED Teacher
What I love most about the ALLMemphis approach to literacy is that it works for
ALL students, both our students who enter our school on grade level, and our
students who are significantly off track. It also works for all teachers; I first
received ALLMemphis training in my seventh year as a teacher, and it transformed
the way I taught my students and the way my students learned! Even with two
Master's degrees, ALLMemphis is by far the best literacy instruction I've
experienced.
Catherine Norman
Literacy Coach
When I think about the achievement/literacy gap that exists particularly with the kids in our city & in the community that we serve, I am most grateful for our partnership with ALLMemphis for the past few years. ALLMemphis offers a comprehensive and balanced approach to teaching phonics, thus allowing us to be responsive to the different learning styles & needs of our students. . . By the midpoint of the year for 2017-2018, 53.9% of Kindergarten students had already made the expected number of steps for the year.
Jeffrey Jenifer
School Leader
As a first year teacher, ALLMemphis' phonics curriculum saved me! I had no experience teaching phonics before, but their lesson plans and PowerPoints were so intuitive and descriptive that it was the best and easiest part of my day! I love that ALLMemphis focuses on auditory and sensory learning as well, as this really helped my students decode words!
Taylor Beardall
First-Grade Teacher
ALLMemphis' Orton Gillingham challenged my students, gave them independence, and fostered lifelong reading skills. 82% of my students left kindergarten on grade level or above according to the STEP measurement. Students were more competent when it came to spelling, decoding, and blending sounds all thanks to ALLMemphis! With ALLMemphis' observations, feedback, and support, my kindergartners are better set up for success in first grade.
Hillarie Henderson
Literacy Coach
Before working with ALLMemphis, I had limited instructional phonics knowledge. I saw how this hole was holding back my students' reading achievement. Through the mentoring and training from this partnership, not only did my knowledge of phonics grow, but my confidence as a leader also grew through the coach training. I'm thankful for the training I received, but even more thankful for the growth my students showed on both STEP and MAP! We crushed our goals, and I have no doubt that a huge part of the growth is a result of the phonics training I received and the lessons my students received because of it. 76% of students in special education achieved or surpassed their STEP growth goal. 90% of students in special education met their typical growth goal in reading MAP, and 60% met their tiered MAP reading growth goal. Thank you!
Kaley Humble
Literacy Coach
Before ALLMemphis began working with us, I had a rudimentary understanding of phonics education. I knew the importance of phonemic awareness, and how to present this to scholars. However, once ALLMemphis started working with us, I received tools and processes that led to better instruction. The multi-sensory instruction allowed different types of learners to excel in their own way, and led to greater growths in developmental spelling, reading, and comprehension. I would recommend ALLMemphis to any educator who wants a deeper understanding of phonics and reading curriculum.
Brian Hansen
Second-Grade SPED Teacher
Meet ALLMemphis
KRISTA JOHNSON
Executive Director + Founder
Dr. Krista L. Johnson has spent the past decade bridging her experience in theory and research to the clinical world of dyslexia remediation. She currently serves as the Executive Director of ALLMemphis, where she is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plan of ALLMemphis. Prior to this position, Johnson was the Director at the Erika Center at Bodine School where she served students in both independent and public-school settings through individual reading remediation or teacher mentorship. Johnson received her doctorate from Northwestern University in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with an emphasis in auditory neuroscience. Additionally, she holds a Master of Arts in Audiology and Hearing Science, a Master of Arts in Learning Disabilities, and has completed a certificate in cognitive science. She is also an Associate Level member of the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators, a Certified Dyslexia Practitioner through the International Dyslexia Association, and is a Certified Master Trainer in the Yoshimoto Orton-Gillingham Approach.
KRISTI BAKER
Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Dr. Kristi Baker is an experienced educator whose career has focused on improving academic and behavioral outcomes for all students, especially those from vulnerable populations. Kristi earned her PhD in Education from Southern Methodist University while also earning a Master’s in Special Education. Her doctoral research focused on literacy development and academic and behavioral interventions that address the over-classification of minority students in special education. Prior to pursuing her PhD, Kristi was the Special Education Coordinator for an urban charter district in Dallas, TX. In her role, she coached teachers and worked to implement systems around special education, 504, and RTI to ensure that all schools within the district had the resources needed to serve their growing populations of students with disabilities. Additionally, she has taught a broad spectrum of students from a variety of backgrounds in elementary through high school. She is excited to join the ALLMemphis team and is passionate about ensuring that all students have access to high-quality instruction.
LULU ABDUN
Data + Technology Specialist
Working at the intersection of technology and social change, Lulu is dedicated to finding data-driven solutions to improve education and our world. As the Data and Technology Specialist at ALLMemphis, Lulu oversees ALLMemphis’ evaluation framework and process. She drives continuous improvement with a focus on the use of technology to enhance, streamline, and innovate new ways of supporting ALLMemphis’ core programs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Miami University (OH). Additionally, she has taught robotics and mobile app development in Shelby County Schools as well as created and managed several websites for nonprofits and other entities. She is an alumnus of the Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship and graduate of Tech901 and LaunchCode. Committed to educational equity, Lulu is proud to be a part of a team that is grounded in research and focused on building a fully literate community.
Deidra Hawkins
Program Specialist Manager
Deidra’s dedication to educating youth, building relationships, and closing achievement gaps are evident in her role as a Program Specialist Manager. Deidra is a 2016 TFA Corps Member and taught Special Education with the Shelby County Schools District. She enjoys working with students and giving them access to the educational tools needed to build upon their foundation for academic success. Having a heart for the youth, Deidra is very active in her local community working with organizations to provide them with experiences and exposure. In her spare time, you can find Deidra planning events for young ladies throughout the city of Memphis, helping them to realize they are born to be MADE. With these events, Deidra’s goal is to provide youth with captured memories that may not ever be reproduced but generate a new perspective on life. Deidra has her Master’s degrees in Public Administration and Digital Media Management.
Nikeesha Kelley
Program Specialist Manager
Nikeesha Kelley is committed to student success inside of the classroom and in life. Nikeesha has a Bachelor’s degree in Learning and Behavior Disabilities and Elementary Education (2008) from Murray State University. Additionally, Nikeesha earned her Master’s degree from Murray State University in Special Education Moderate to Severe Disabilities (2011) and her second Master’s degree in Reading and Writing (2014), also from Murray State University. She has nine years of classroom experience where she has taught in various classroom settings including co-teaching in special education inclusion and self-contained classrooms with various disabilities. When she moved to Memphis, TN in 2016 to continue her teaching career as a High School Special Education teacher in the Hickory Hill area, Nikeesha quickly embraced her role as an ELA co-teacher and RTI team lead. Immediately she fell in love with the RTI process and knew this was where she could really impact student literacy. She was able to work with her team to find a curriculum designed to meet the needs of all students to ensure student success. As an ALLMemphis Program Specialist Manager, she is interested in building strong relationships with students and teachers while providing a literacy-rich curriculum in order to promote student growth and educational equity in the classroom.
HILLARIE HENDERSON
Program Specialist
After recognizing her passion for early literacy and instruction during her years as a teacher and school administrator, Hillarie joined the ALLMemphis team as a Program Specialist. Hillarie moved to Memphis in 2015 to join the Memphis Teacher Residency program and earned a Masters of Urban Education from Union University. Additionally, Hillarie earned her Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. Prior to this position, Hillarie both taught and coached the ALLMemphis curriculum, which has allowed her to gracefully step into her role where she is supporting teacher development through data-informed and research-based strategies in an effort to provide equitable educational opportunities for all students. Hillarie seeks to support schools and teachers through relationship building, regular coaching, and data analysis that promotes best practices.
MEILI POWELL
Program Specialist
Meili Powell developed a passion for equity and relationship-building through working with students during her time at the University of Washington, where she studied early childhood education and history. Meili moved to Memphis in 2017 to join Teach for America. As a corps member, she taught reading, writing, and social studies for three years in Orange Mound and South Memphis as a 3rd and 1st grade teacher. Beyond the classroom, Meili has worked with Stand for Children as a Policy and Advocacy Fellow where she analyzed best literacy practices, researched trauma-informed work, and helped organize a “Funding Students First” campaign. Meili continues to support Stand for Children’s Momentum Memphis task force meetings, which engages community members to fight for a quality education for all. As a Program Specialist at ALLMemphis, Meili is now using her passion to support teachers and empower students to ultimately work toward literacy justice in our city.
HALEY MATHEWS
Project Manager Fellow
Haley serves as a Project Manager and Education Pioneers Fellow at ALLMemphis, where she coordinates partnerships, manages internal projects, and advocates for equitable funding for education. Haley moved to Memphis in 2016 to join Teach for America. She taught third grade reading and language arts for four years in North Memphis, Hickory Hill, and Raleigh. As a teacher, Haley saw the glaring need for a literacy curriculum that equips growing readers with critical skills and strategies through direct instruction. Beyond the classroom, Haley has worked as a policy intern for the Committee on the Judiciary in the U.S. House of Representatives and as an Urban Leaders Fellow for a member of the Dallas ISD school board. Haley holds a B.A. from Texas A&M University in Political Science. She is passionate about ensuring educational equity for students from historically marginalized backgrounds, and she sees ALLMemphis as a vital part of that endeavor.
NEWS
ALLMemphis around the 901
Board of Directors
Jennifer Hagerman
Burch, Porter & JohnsonBoard Chair
William
Franklin
Path Company, LLCTreasurer
Cindy
Shainberg
Shainberg StrategiesSecretary
Luther
Mercer
Whole Child Strategies, Inc.
Cynthia Burnett
Grace St. Luke’s Episcopal School
Carl Schneider
Education Systems Center at NIU
