• EDUCATOR • SPEAKER • PODCASTER • LITERACY ADVOCATE • AUTHOR • EDUCATOR • SPEAKER • PODCASTER • LITERACY ADVOCATE • AUTHOR • EDUCATOR • SPEAKER • PODCASTER • LITERACY ADVOCATE • AUTHOR
My Story
I'm a former elementary and high school ELA teacher and reading specialist
who taught and coached for more than 15 years in Baltimore, Maryland. I’ve worked in primary and intermediate grades and supported teachers and leaders through coaching at both school and district levels.
The Podcast
Today, I bring that experience as co-host of the podcast Melissa & Lori Love Literacy, with my friend and colleague Melissa Loftus. What started in 2019 (recording our first episode in Melissa’s basement) has grown into a resource for 3 million teachers around the world looking to bridge the gap between the research on reading and what happens in classrooms day to day.
The Books
As I moved from coaching to curriculum development, I realized a deep truth: teachers aren’t short on questions. They’re short on clear answers grounded in research.
That realization led me to co-author Scholastic’s The Literacy 50: A Q&A Handbook for Teachers.
This book was written for teachers who are doing the hard work every day and want straightforward, research-informed answers to the questions about teaching reading that matter most.
Each question is paired with practical guidance, classroom-ready ideas, and tools teachers can use right away. Writing this book was a dream: a chance to give educators the kind of clarity I always wished I had early in my career.
More recently, I contributed to the book, The Science of Reading: The Brain Science, Language Development, and Phonemic Awareness Behind the Movement. This book breaks down how students learn to read with research that works.
I’m also working on other books and classroom resources because I love creating practical, ready-to-use tools teachers can take straight into their classrooms.
As the podcast grew — and as The Literacy 50 made its way into schools and districts — educators began reaching out for deeper learning, clearer guidance, and practical, research-aligned professional development.
Professional Learning
The Science of Reading in Practice book series sparked a dynamic collaboration among its authors and we’re just getting started. What began in the books has grown into virtual conferences, book clubs, and interactive learning experiences designed to bring the Science of Reading to life.
That inspired the next chapter of my work: speaking, presenting, and leading professional learning across the country and internationally.
Today, I Offer
Keynote Speaking
Conference Presentations
District and School Professional Learning Sessions and Workshops
Live Podcast Experiences
Book Clubs
Whether in person or virtual, I’m honored to support teachers and leaders committed to bringing evidence-based instruction to life.
And be sure to check out the Science of Reading in Practice our author team can’t wait to support you!
I Believe
Every teacher deserves high-quality, evidence-based training.
Every student deserves the chance to become a confident, capable reader (and writer!).
And every educator deserves support that is clear, practical, and ready to use in the classroom tomorrow.