MARIETTA, GA – Marietta City Schools (MCS) is announcing a multi-million dollar initiative to fight learning loss and ensure literacy for all students.

Last night the MCS Board of Education unanimously approved 40 additional full-time reading specialists in grades 1-5 for next school year. These reading specialists will provide intensive reading instruction, delivered through a 1:10 teacher-student ratio, during the reading block to all students in grades 1-5 who are reading below grade level.

The MCS Board of Education also approved providing a one-time $5,000 supplement to all credentialed teachers and coaches providing direct reading instruction.

"Literacy is a top priority across our district," said MCS Board Chair Kerry Minervini. "This investment shows our school board is committed to every child reaching their fullest reading potential by third grade. We believe this innovative and aggressive approach to literacy and learning loss will positively impact every teacher and student in each elementary classroom in Marietta."

Last night’s Board approval complements an existing community-wide, grant-funded effort launched almost two years ago that focuses on the Science of Reading. MCS partnered with the United Way, Atlanta Speech School, Learn4Life, Cobb Collaborative, Wellstar, early learning providers, and numerous other organizations throughout Marietta to provide a birth through age eight continuum committed to developing the reading brain. Formally called “Literacy and Justice for All,” the goal of this partnership is simple: equipping every child with the language abilities and literacy skills they need to be on a path to a life of self-determination.

Superintendent Grant Rivera says he understands the complexities of teaching students how to read and that it’s time for monumental shifts to make significant differences in children's lives.

“We have a moral and educational responsibility to act now, thereby changing the trajectory for every child and classroom in Marietta,” said Rivera, “Our school district and community have set a new standard for what it means to invest in educators and literacy.”

MCS is actively recruiting teachers to be full and part-time reading specialists. As part of the district’s ongoing efforts to recruit and retain top talent, educators in Marietta have access to Orton-Gillingham certification, Science of Reading training, and reading/dyslexia endorsements.

MCS will hold a virtual educator showcase to further explain our commitment to literacy and opportunities for current and future educators. Also, an in-person job fair will be hosted specifically for educators who desire to be reading specialists in Marietta City Schools.

WHAT: Virtual Educator Showcase
WHEN: Thursday, February 2, 2023, 8:00 pm
WHERE: https://zoom.us/j/91462258235?pwd=Q2xYejVqUGU3ZUJ5eGtGekxLU09zUT09

WHAT: Reading Specialist Job Fair
WHEN: Monday, February 6, 2023, 6:30-7:30 pm
WHERE: Park Street Elementary, 105 Park Street SE, Marietta