Wisconsin Literacy

As the new Regional Literacy Consultant for the Southwest / South Central area, Layla Coleman comes to Wisconsin Literacy with strong skills in the areas of literacy, reading practices, and education. Coleman was first introduced to literacy practices through the Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes clinic, where she was trained to tutor students with reading or reading comprehension difficulties. This unique experience funneled her into the world of special education and she began teaching at-risk-youth through a Wisconsin-based AmeriCorps program. Coleman continued to gain skills and knowledge as a reading tutor and writing instructor at Landmark School, an exemplary institution established outside of Boston, Massachusetts to serve students with language based learning disabilities. Most recently, Coleman taught high school literature and study strategies to students with low literacy skills in Oakland, California.

“Reading was always something that I did without thinking and it was an eye-opening experience when I realized how difficult and traumatizing the process is for so many. The truth is that proper and appropriate reading instruction is not readily available to all, making organizations like Wisconsin Literacy an imperative part of modern education,” Coleman said.

Coleman holds a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts and has tailored her knowledge of reading instruction with additional graduate credits from the Masters of Education/Moderate Disabilities program at Simmons College in Boston. Although work and educational opportunities have taken her to different parts of the country, she is originally from southwestern Wisconsin and happy to have relocated back to this unique and beautiful area. In her free time, Coleman enjoys cooking, reading, traveling and performing. An amateur vocalist, Coleman has been singing for friends, family and strangers for most of her life.

“I am so passionate about this cause and very excited to be working with the wonderful people who have already established Wisconsin Literacy as a premier organization. There is much to learn, but if my ventures allow me enhance the lives of others they will be well worth it,” Coleman said.