National fellowship highlights Sparks’ contributions to evidence-based literacy instruction, educator learning, and teacher leadership

[July 2026] The Goyen Literacy Fellowship is recognizing Bob Sparks, a K–12 educator and literacy leader, for his exceptional contributions to evidence-based literacy instruction and his commitment to helping educators across the country understand what the science of reading and science of learning look like in practice.

The Goyen Literacy Fellowship is a national fellowship that supports and amplifies the work of expert K–12 educators whose instructional practices reflect the science of reading and the science of learning. Fellows are selected for their commitment to evidence-based literacy instruction and their willingness to share their expertise with educators nationwide through classroom videos, professional writing, and professional learning.

Throughout the fellowship year, Sparks has provided educators with an authentic look at what evidence-based literacy instruction can look like in a high school classroom. Through a series of classroom videos, he demonstrates how intentional routines, scaffolding, and explicit instruction can strengthen students’ reading, writing, and oracy skills while preparing them for college, careers, and lifelong learning.

“Bob has a remarkable ability to make complex aspects of literacy instruction accessible and actionable for educators,” said Lauren Proffitt, Project Manager for the Goyen Literacy Fellowship. “He understands the unique opportunities and challenges of teaching literacy at the high school level, and he has generously opened his classroom to show educators what this work can actually look like in practice.”

With significantly less instructional time than their elementary counterparts, high school educators face particular challenges when it comes to strengthening students’ literacy skills. Sparks addresses those challenges by breaking complex skills into manageable, purposeful routines and anchoring these routines in rich, meaningful novels and texts.

His classroom videos offer educators authentic glimpses into scaffolded reading, writing, and oracy instruction, as well as the intentional practices that help students become confident, reflective readers, writers, and thinkers.

Sparks has also reached tens of thousands of educators through professional writing on literacy instruction. His blog posts explore practical and evidence-based approaches to topics including backward design, rhetorical examples, poetry instruction, and the role of teacher voice in educational policy. Across his writing, Sparks emphasizes manageable shifts in instructional practice that can lead to meaningful improvements in student learning and teacher effectiveness.

“Bob’s impact reaches far beyond his own classroom and this fellowship cohort,” added Proffitt. “The district educator fellowship he designed this year elevated teacher expertise and leadership in Jackson County and has the potential to be a national model.” 

Learn More About Bob Sparks’ Work

Educators and education leaders can explore Sparks’ work through the following resources:

Blog Post: Know Your Destination: Backwards Design and Writing

Blog Post: The Science of Reading in High School: Engaging Rhetorical Exemplars in the ELA Classroom

Blog Post: Demystifying Poetry: A Routine for ANY Grade Level

Blog Post: Teacher Voices Can Improve Policy–If We Listen

Blog Post: What does the science of reading look like in high school (Part 1)

Blog Post: What does the science of reading look like in high school (Part 3)

Parsec Webinar 

About the Goyen Literacy Fellowship

The Goyen Literacy Fellowship is a national fellowship that supports and amplifies expert K–12 educators whose instructional practices reflect the science of reading and the science of learning. Through classroom videos, professional writing, and collaborative learning, fellows share practical, evidence-based approaches with educators across the country and help bridge the gap between research and classroom practice.

Media Contact:Kata Solow, Executive Director, Goyen Foundation (kata.solow@goyen.io)