Paige Leddy is dedicated to infusing the knowledge and love of reading at Richmond Elementary School and beyond. A former second grade reading teacher, Leddy has broadened her impact by serving kindergarten through fourth grade students as a reading specialist. Her expertise is widely valued and supports teachers in effectively delivering the state’s new high-quality instructional materials (Into Reading), grounded in the science of reading. She provides extra assistance to students in a before-school reading program, which consistently yields high attendance and contributes to measurable schoolwide results: In 2022-23, 82% of K-1 students performed at or above level on the DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) assessment, while 85% of students in grades 2-4 performed at or above level on the HMH (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Growth Measure. For 2021-22 – the latest data available – Richmond Elementary outperformed the district and state proficiency levels in reading and math on the Rhode Island state assessment.
Leddy leads with a growth mindset, using formative phonics assessments and student data to ensure students are on track and to identify areas for intervention, including for RTI (Response to Intervention) meetings. She expands her own instructional practices by participating in new trainings and certifications each year, while also developing WIN (What I Need) Blocks to further differentiated instruction and reading. Between participating in learning walks, classroom observations, teacher mentorship and lesson modeling, Leddy eagerly promotes the professional and personal development of herself and her colleagues.
Leddy’s involvement in school and district initiatives has included PLC (Professional Learning Community) data leader, District Curriculum and Planning Committee, ELA Community of Practice, state testing coordinator, RICAS (Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System) coordinator, summer slide tutor, and more. After school, Paige is involved in Ready Set Shine, a club serving students in need. By connecting with students’ families and the community, Leddy helps cultivate higher involvement in parent nights, PTO projects, and literacy learning at home.
Leddy earned a bachelor’s in elementary education and psychology in 2007, a master’s in reading in 2021 and a graduate’s certificate in dyslexia knowledge and practice programs from the University of Rhode Island.
Press release: Revolutionary Reading Instruction Earns Rhode Island Educator Paige Leddy $25,000 Milken Educator Award
