Deborah Hunt

“I joined the Learning Analytics program at UW-Madison because I am interested in understanding how data can be used to improve learning experiences and educational outcomes. The program offers a unique combination of data analysis, educational research, and practical application, which aligns well with my professional interests and career goals. Ultimately, I hope the program will help me develop the knowledge and tools needed to make meaningful contributions to improving teaching, learning, and student success through the effective use of data.”

APPLICATION OF THE SCIENCE OF READING

As a Title I Reading Teacher, Deborah applies her Science of Reading certification and licensure earned through Cox Campus and Cardinal Stritch University, to drive measurable improvements in student literacy achievement. By utilizing evidence based instructional practices grounded in the Science of Reading, she provides targeted interventions that address students’ specific reading needs in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Through the analysis of student assessment data, she identifies learning gaps, monitors progress, and adjusts instruction to ensure that interventions are effective and responsive to student needs. Her training enables her to implement structured literacy practices that support struggling readers and accelerate their academic growth. By combining data driven decision making, with research based reading instruction, Deborah’s career goal is to increase student reading proficiency, close achievement gaps, and improve overall literacy outcomes.

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP IN EARLY LITERACY

As a school leader, Deborah leverages extensive experience in literacy coaching and expertise in the Science of Reading to foster a culture of high quality literacy instruction throughout the school. She collaborates with teachers to implement evidence based reading practices, ensuring that instruction aligns with current research on how students learn to read. Through ongoing support and guidance, Deborah helps educators use assessment data to make informed instructional decisions and develop targeted interventions that address the diverse needs of learners. Drawing on a deep understanding of the Science of Reading, Deborah leads the implementation of structured literacy practices that strengthen phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. She oversees schoolwide literacy initiatives, monitors instructional fidelity, and supports continuous improvement efforts to ensure consistent and effective literacy instruction across grade levels. As a result of Deborah’s leadership, student achievement increases, literacy achievement gaps are narrowed, and teachers are empowered with the knowledge and tools needed to improve reading outcomes for all students. Deborah ensures that literacy remains a schoolwide priority and that instructional decisions are grounded in both data and research based practices, creating a strong foundation for academic success for all learners.