How E4E-NY Educators Are Strengthening NYC Reads

In May 2023, after years of tireless advocacy by E4E-NY educators, New York City leadership took a bold step forward by launching NYC Reads. This initiative provides all elementary schools with high-quality literacy instruction and professional learning, addressing the longstanding “free-for-all” approach to curricula that left too many students behind.

While NYC Reads is a critical step in the right direction, its success depends on strong implementation and meaningful educator engagement. That’s why, throughout the 2024-2025 school year, we at E4E-NY have been working closely with teachers—conducting surveys, hosting focus groups, and facilitating town halls—to gather insights from the educators on the front lines of this transformation. Their perspectives shaped our latest report, Reading Between the Lines: Teacher Perspectives on NYC Reads, which offers actionable recommendations to strengthen the initiative.

Educators’ voices are being heard. This report—and the advocacy behind it—has already garnered attention from the NY Daily News, Politico, WNYC, the Gothamist, and the World Journal. Even more importantly, following the report’s release, educators brought their insights directly to city leadership, who not only listened but also committed to taking action to improve NYC Reads’ rollout.

While we have much to be proud of, the work is far from over. We must ensure that city leadership follows through on these commitments, improving professional learning to better support diverse learners. We also must ensure that educator voices drive improvements in NYC Solves, the city’s initiative to strengthen middle and high school math instruction.

SEPTEMBER: IT ALL STARTS WITH FEEDBACK

At the start of the new school year, we launched a survey to gather feedback on NYC Reads. Educators completed the survey during meetings with our organizers, as well as through email and text outreach. Additionally, we hosted focus groups, where teachers shared their personal experiences with the curriculum—what’s working and what still needs to improve.

OCTOBER: TEACHER LEADERS SHARE THEIR PERSONAL STORIES

The data we gathered was deeply insightful, but we knew that we wanted more than just data to point to. Educators gave voice to the findings by sharing their personal stories—stories that highlight NYC Reads’ successes and challenges. E4E-NY teacher leaders like April Rose spoke about how comfort with the curriculum grew over time, emphasizing the importance of patience and stability in the rollout.

Meanwhile, educators like Kate Gutwillig and Erica Boyce made it clear that stronger professional learning to support for diverse learners remains an urgent need.

NOVEMBER: EDUCATOR FEEDBACK GETS CAPTURED IN NEW REPORT

After months of gathering input, we compiled our findings into Reading Between the Lines: Teacher Perspectives on NYC Reads. We also launched NYCLearns.org, a microsite that’s already been seen by thousands of educators, policymakers, and community members seeking access to the report, personal stories, and campaign highlights.

The key takeaway? While teachers see value in the curricular materials—especially as they become more familiar with them—they need stronger professional learning to support diverse learners. This insight led to the launch of a new petition urging city leadership to improve professional learning across the district.

DECEMBER: THE CHANCELLOR TAKES NOTICE

Educators didn’t just share their feedback—they took it directly to the Chancellor and key city leaders. They highlighted the bright spots of NYC Reads, reinforcing the importance of keeping what works. Just as crucially, they outlined the areas where more support is needed, and city leadership listened.

A major victory from this conversation was the Chancellor’s commitment to making improvements based on the gaps educators identified. Teachers’ voices are shaping the future of literacy instruction in New York City.

WHAT’S NEXT? 

The Chancellor has now heard directly from educators and visited schools in person—but our work doesn’t stop here. Now, we must hold city leadership accountable for turning this feedback into action.

First, we must ensure that the city addresses the most pressing challenge educators have identified: the need for stronger professional learning that equips teachers to meet the needs of diverse learners. Second, the Chancellor has committed to engaging educators in shaping NYC Solves. We must ensure she follows through on that promise. The best way to do so is by encouraging educators to take our NYC Solves survey, ensuring their voices drive improvements in middle and high school math instruction as well.

The road ahead won’t be easy. Transformative change takes time, and both NYC Reads and NYC Solves will require patience, persistence, and ongoing collaboration. But this work is too important to slow down now. Together, we will continue to leverage educators’ expertise to refine and strengthen these initiatives, ensuring every student has access to the high-quality instruction they deserve.