School Highlight – 4/18/2025

For a long time, I didn’t see myself as a teacher, despite my deep respect for the profession, because I doubted whether I’d be any good at it. I graduated college with the goal of becoming an attorney, most likely practicing child advocacy or disability law. I wanted to help those who often go unheard or unsupported. But after just one semester in law school, I realized that path wasn’t the right one for me. I found myself craving something more direct—something where I could make a meaningful impact in the day-to-day lives of children.

While searching for what was next, I took a job as a teacher assistant for a middle school band director. That’s where everything changed. I fell in love with teaching—the energy of the classroom, the connections with students, and the sense of purpose I felt helping them grow. I began working toward my new goal of becoming a teacher. When I learned that a new school with a classical model was opening—HOCA—I knew it was exactly where I wanted to be. I was drawn to HOCA because of its commitment to a classical education rooted in American civics and character formation, and I was excited for the opportunity to help build a new school community dedicated to excellence, integrity, and the flourishing of every child.

Since then, my role at HOCA has shifted from a 6th-grade classroom teacher to the school’s Literacy Specialist, and I couldn’t be more excited. When the opportunity arose to step into the role of Literacy Specialist, I accepted—even though it was a new challenge—because I recognized a real need. While all of our classroom teachers are deeply talented, caring, and dedicated professionals, there are some students who simply need a little extra support to grow into confident, capable readers.

Literacy and English Language Arts have been passions of mine since I was a child. Reading and writing are not just academic skills; they are tools of empowerment. They allow us to gather, understand, and communicate ideas—skills that shape how we engage with the world. That’s why I’m proud of the work we’re doing at HOCA to build a strong foundation for all students. In addition to increased whole-class literacy instruction, we have targeted small group sessions and WIN (What I Need) time to support individual learning in the classroom. I work closely with many students, especially in grades K–4, who are English Language Learners or benefit from additional intervention.

What drives me most is the heartbreaking reality that there are schools in the United States where not a single student tests proficient in reading. To me, that is not just unfortunate—it’s unacceptable. It signals a deep, systemic failure that leaves children without one of the most essential tools for understanding and participating in the world around them. I knew I couldn’t ignore that. I wanted to use my skills, passion, and heart to be part of the solution—and to ensure that our students never face that kind of neglect. And the best part is—we are succeeding. Every day, I see students growing more confident in their reading, more eager to learn, and more empowered to express themselves. It’s a joy and a privilege to witness that transformation and know that we’re making a real difference.

I love the classical education and character formation-based foundation we’re building at HOCA because it emphasizes truth, beauty, and virtue—ideals that go hand in hand with literacy. A strong foundation in reading and writing allows students to engage deeply with great works of literature, think critically, and communicate clearly and thoughtfully. Literacy is not just a skill; it’s a gateway to understanding the human experience, developing moral character, and becoming thoughtful, articulate citizens. I feel honored to support our students on their reading journeys—and encouraged every day by the progress they make.

– Ms. Emmilee Ayers, Literacy Specialist