Join us Tomorrow for “The Right to Read is the Right to Succeed” Panel 

Massachusetts Educators and Policy Experts to Discuss First Steps Toward Addressing Literacy Crisis

BOSTON, MA — What does the literacy crisis look like from inside a Massachusetts classroom? On Wednesday, February 18, classroom teachers, a school leader, and education policy experts will share firsthand perspectives at a State House panel discussion on the challenges facing Massachusetts students—and what it will take to turn the tide.

The panel comes at a pivotal moment. The Massachusetts Right to Read Act passed unanimously in the House (October 2025) and the Senate (January 2026), representing a critical first step toward addressing the Commonwealth’s literacy crisis, in which 60% of Massachusetts fourth graders read below grade level. For Black, Latino, and low-income students, English learners, and students with disabilities, the numbers are more striking—as few as 2 in 10 read at grade level. Panelists will discuss how the bill’s provisions—evidence-based curricula, funding, and professional learning—set the stage for future success, and what it will take to deliver on that promise.

Join us tomorrow to hear:

• How curriculum gaps show up in classrooms daily
• What evidence-based literacy instruction looks like in practice
• Success stories from states that have tackled similar challenges
• What educators say they need to help every child learn to read

Panelists can be available for one-on-one interviews following the discussion.

WHO:

• Luisa Sparrow, Special Educator, 2025 Teacher of the Year, Boston Public Schools
• Antonelli Mejia, Principal, Sarah Greenwood K-8, Boston Public Schools
• Dr. Heather Peske, President, National Council on Teacher Quality
• Antonelli Mejia, Principal, Sarah Greenwood K-8, Boston Public Schools
• Mrs. Nelsy A. Peppler,ESL Teacher, Reingold Elementary, Fitchburg Public Schools
• Ms. Abi Lora, Special Education Teacher/Case Manager, Brooke Charter School
• Michael Phaneuf, Reading Interventionist, Boston Public Schools, Boston Arts Academy

WHAT:Panel discussion: “The Right to Read is the Right to Succeed.”

WHEN: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 — 12:30–1:30 p.m. ET 

WHERE: Massachusetts State House, Room 428

CLICK TO RSVP

For questions, reach out to Aisha Jamil, regional communications manager, at [email protected]. 

###

About Educators for Excellence

Educators for Excellence (E4E) is a teacher-led organization that empowers educators to shape the policies that impact their classrooms and communities. Learn more at www.e4e.org.