Literacy Specialists at Denver Academy

Literacy Specialists

At Denver Academy, our Literacy Specialists instruct students that need reading and writing assistance beyond classroom instruction. Referrals are made by classroom teachers after assessments have been given. We employ a multi-sensory strategy for reading instruction, using Visualizing and Verbalizing and the Orton-Gillingham approach. All of our specialists use the Orton-Gillingham approach, the most highly recommended method to help struggling readers.

Literacy Resources

Need a book? Find just the right one!

Scholastic Book Wizard

American Library Association’s Notable Children’s Books

Education World’s K-8 Book Lists

We ALL Learn Differently

We've provided a variety of sites below dedicated to finding out more about how students learn and spreading awareness about specific learning differences. Please note that the inclusion of these links does not necessarily indicate the endorsement of such sites or organizations by Denver Academy.

Diverse Learning and Learning Differences Resources:

CHADD (National)
CHADD (Denver Metro Chapter)
Dyslexia Help
International Dyslexia Association
International Dyslexia Association-Rocky Mountain Branch
LDOnline.org
Learning Disability Association of America
National Attention Deficit Disorder Association
SmarkKidswithLD.org
Understood.org

Literacy Specialists

List of 5 members.

Tammy Curran

Director of Tutoring Services/Literacy Specialist

Bio
A true "jack-of-all-trades," Ms. Curran has held a wide variety of positions at Denver Academy. She has worked with DA children as an elementary classroom teacher, teaching assistant, learning specialist, cheerleading coach and events coordinator. Now the Literacy Specialist Coordinator, Tammy works individually with students and also facilitates literacy programming in classrooms across the campus.

Ms. Curran earned her undergraduate degree in Multi-Communications with an emphasis in Broadcast Journalism from Metropolitan State University. She also holds a graduate degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Reading from Regis University.
Mary Baur

Literacy Specialist

Bio
Ms. Baur works magic by showing children how to open the door to the wonders of reading. Mary knows that pushing through that door may not always be easy for struggling readers, but having a partner with patience, kindness and knowledge can make the journey much easier. Both of Mary's sons attended Denver Academy. She has been part of the DA community since 2003.

Ms. Baur studied Special Education at Gonzaga University.
Jessica Bodden

Instructional Coach & Literacy Specialist

Bio
Ms. Bodden works as both a Literacy Specialist and Instructional Coach. Jessica aims to instill a love of literature in her students and build their self-confidence. Some of her favorite books include The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, The Giver by Lois Lowry, and anything by Roald Dahl, Judy Blume, or Beverly Cleary.

Ms. Bodden holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Certificate in Education from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She earned her M.A. in Teaching with a Reading Endorsement from Lewis and Clark College.
Gay Carlson

Literacy Specialist

Bio
Ms. Carlson has spent many years as a classroom teacher in upper primary differentiating for students with unique learning profiles. In 2012, she was named Educator of the Year by the Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented. That same year, she was listed on SENG’s Honor Roll of Outstanding Educators. More recently, she transitioned into the role of literacy specialist working with students and partnering with teachers across all levels. She is an R.N. and obtained a B.A. in Environmental Science and an M.A. in Gifted Education with an emphasis on twice-exceptional students from the University of Denver. The combination of education, experience, and empathy has been ideal for helping to meet the needs of the diverse learners at Denver Academy.
Jenna Jeffress

Literacy Specialist

Bio
After taking some time off to raise her two young children, Jenna Jeffress is happy to be back at Denver Academy as a Literacy Specialist. Previously, she taught for seven years in DA's Elementary Division and is eager to see her previous students on campus again. Ms. Jeffress received degrees in Elementary Education and Psychology from the University of Iowa.