MUSD Teachers Complete LETRS Literacy Certification

Marana Unified School District recognizes the dedicated group of teachers who recently completed their Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) Certification, further strengthening literacy instruction and student support across the district.

“The State of Arizona now requires a K-5 Literacy Endorsement for all K-5 teachers providing literacy instruction to ensure proficiency in the Science of Reading. The endorsement requires 45–90 hours of training (or college credits) and a passing score on the Foundations of Reading exam, with deadlines of Aug 2028 (for existing teachers) or 3 years for new hires,” said Kelsea Cantrell, K-6 Literacy Specialist. “The LETRS Certification is a pathway that provides the newly-required coursework and fulfills requirements necessary for the endorsement.”

Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) is a comprehensive professional learning program focused on reading, spelling, and language instruction. Accredited by the International Dyslexia Association, the training aligns with Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading, giving teachers research-based tools to support literacy development for all students.

Teachers who completed the training shared that LETRS has helped them feel more confident in delivering literacy instruction, providing targeted reading interventions, and supporting student growth.

“Additionally, MUSD now has three certified LETRS Facilitators who lead our in-district LETRS trainings. We also have all instructional coaches and Literacy Leads who are either LETRS-certified or currently working toward certification,” said Kelsea. “This significantly strengthens MUSD’s capacity to build literacy expertise across schools and extend knowledge and support to educators who were not able to participate directly in the training.”

MUSD proudly congratulates the following teachers on completing their LETRS Certification:

Butterfield Elementary

Ashley Dunn
Michelle Castillo
Teresa Rodriguez
Wendy Martin

Coyote Trail Elementary

Andrea Shelton
Anne Coulthard
Barbara Lewis-Partch
Cheryl Case
Keri Hunter
LeAnne Schrader
Lori Valentine
Megan Wilson
Melissa Calderon
Nikki Topia

DeGrazia Elementary

Christina Ochoa-Castano
Gabby Koellisch
Jodie Hessling
Kimberly Smejkal
Mary Longo
Stacie Minninger
Teresa Marshall
Wendy Bieg

Gladden Farms Elementary

Beth DeWeerdt
Kerri Bailey
Samantha Uhe
Sarah Spencer
Laurie Banta

Ironwood Elementary

Dana Felix
Kandyce Galer
Kayli Sillman-Rivera
Rosemary Nicolls
Victoria Zismann

Preschool & Learning (PAL)

Lindsey Lara
Kristen Quenelle

Picture Rocks Elementary

DeAnna Perry
Nicole Weatherbie

Rattlesnake Ridge Elementary

Ann Murphy
Elsa Gutierrez
Renee Hulsey
Shelia Kalota

Roadrunner Elementary

Christina Bieg Baker
Concetta Velasquez
Erica Chojnacki
Karen Quinlan

Tangerine Farms K–8

Rachel Wilson
Courtney Weber
Martha Bishop

Dove Mountain K–8

Brittney Morse
Carrie Mirlocca (retired)
Erin Geyer
Katie Garrett
Meagan Ulibarri

Estes Elementary

Cheyenne Ernest
Michaelle Hall
Chelsea Parker

Twin Peaks K–8

Brittany Skinner
Christine McCarthy
Elizabeth “Liz” Strathman
Heidi Kornacki
Jessica White
KellyAnn Magnussen
Kendra Lewis
Megan Faulkner
Wendy McClure

Marana Vista Academy

Rebecca Hammer