Literacy Support Team
Zakia Diggs
Reading Interventionist
I am a Reading Interventionist that demonstrates excellence inside and outside of the classroom through consistent leadership and focused collaboration to maximize student learning. I have a consistent history working with Tier III students who were struggling with reading and moving them into Tier II and Tier I levels. I have epertise with implementing the gradual release model of instruction to effectively convey complex messages to diverse audiences at all organizational levels including students, teacher grade groups, administration, and district representatives.
Degrees/Certifications - Master of Education
Taura White
Literacy Coach
I have spent my entire 24 years in teaching with RPS. I left the classroom in 2022 to become the reading interventionist at Miles Jones ES. In 2023, I became the school's Literacy Coach. This summer, I completed graduate school at UVA and received my Masters in Reading Education. This will be my 2nd year as MJJ's Literacy Coach.
Degrees/Certifications - BS in Psychology, M.T in Teaching, Masters in Reading Education
Emily Wilson
Reading Interventionist
My journey in education began in 2014 after working in the corporate world for 7 years. I began by earning my degree in Liberal Studies for Early and Elementary Education at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2016 and went on to earn my Masters of Teaching through the Richmond Teacher Residency program. Through RTR, my studies focused specifically on the Richmond Public Schools and I spent an entire school year student teaching at Bellevue Elementary School, where I stayed for the next five years teaching 3rd and 4th grades. After taking a year away from education, I joined Miles J. Jones Elementary as a reading interventionist. Being an avid reader myself, I wanted to share my love of reading with others while helping struggling readers by meeting them where they are. There is nothing quite like seeing students become confident readers and unlock the magic of words. Outside of school, I love traveling with my husband, reading, hiking, trivia, and cooking.
Degrees/Certifications - VA State Teacher Certification PK-6