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Ciara Wheatley has been named State Regional Literacy Director within the Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE) Division of Early Literacy, following three years as a State Literacy Coaching Specialist. In her new role, Wheatley will lead efforts to advance literacy achievement for students in grades K-3 and beyond as part of the KDE’s ongoing commitment to evidence-based reading instruction.
"I am incredibly honored to step into this regional leadership role at such a pivotal moment for education in our Commonwealth," Wheatley said. "The momentum we are building through systemic, evidence-based literacy instruction is going to transform outcomes for students not just today, but for generations to come."
Wheatley brings 16 years of experience in Kentucky public education to this position, a career deeply defined by an advocacy for student achievement and teacher empowerment. Before joining the Division of Early Literacy, she built extensive experience teaching a variety of grade levels and later served as an elementary instructional coach in Marion County Public Schools. It was in these roles that she recognized the critical need for evidence-based instruction and high-quality instructional resources. This work reinforced her belief that knowledge building is an essential piece for long-term literacy success and that sustainable student outcomes begin with empowering teachers through high-quality professional learning.
Looking ahead in her new role, Wheatley is looking forward to supporting and leading state literacy coaches. She is dedicated to fostering a positive environment built on collaborative partnerships, ensuring coaches feel fully equipped to support teachers in their shared success. Beyond her local and regional work, Wheatley has frequently collaborated with the KDE on initiatives regarding the Kentucky Academic Standards for Reading and Writing and the Kentucky Summative Assessment (KSA). She also spent several years working with the National Education Association as an EdCommunities Facilitator for the Elementary Literacy group.
A self-described lifelong learner, Wheatley holds a Bachelor’s degree from Campbellsville University, alongside a Master’s in School Counseling, a Rank I in Special Education, and a Master’s enabling her certification as a P-12 Literacy Specialist, all from the University of the Cumberlands. She also completed her Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree program for instructional supervisor certification. Additionally, she has completed both the comprehensive Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) coursework and the LETRS for Administrators program.
As a Regional Literacy Director, Wheatley is eager to keep cognitive science and data at the center of her work to create a supportive educational environment that ensures every child's success. "Educators across our state pour their hearts and souls into their classrooms every single day," Wheatley said. "They deserve access to the very best, evidence-based tools and high-quality professional learning. I am eager to extend my knowledge to a broader regional audience, ensuring that our teachers feel supported and our students reach their full potential, regardless of their zip code." Wheatley resides in Lebanon, Kentucky, with her husband, Bryan, and their three children.
New Resource: HB 253 (2026) State Approved Reading Intervention List
To support implementation of House Bill 253 (2026), the Kentucky Department of Education has published the HB 253 (2026) State Approved Reading Intervention List. The resource includes an approved list of scientifically researched, evidence-based K-12 reading intervention programs that align with structured literacy and do not utilize three-cueing instructional practices.
While the approved list is designed to support local selection of high-quality interventions, the accompanying guidance emphasizes an equally important principle: Instructional coherence. Districts are encouraged to first consider Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions that are embedded within or aligned to their adopted Tier 1 high-quality instructional resources (HQIRs). Students benefit most when intervention reinforces the same content, routines and instructional approaches they experience during core instruction, which creates a cohesive system that accelerates learning rather than fragments it.
District and school leaders are encouraged to visit the HB 253 (2026) State Approved Reading Intervention List webpage to explore both the approved intervention list and the guidance for selecting interventions that strengthen, not replace, an aligned, coherent literacy system.
ICYMI: House Bill 253 (2026) Science of Reading Professional Learning Webpage
The KDE has launched a new Early Literacy webpage providing guidance on House Bill (HB) 253 (2026) and approved Science of Reading (SoR) professional learning opportunities. The law requires that, by June 30, 2029, all K-5 educators must complete KDE-approved SoR professional learning and establishes expectations for literacy instruction that reflect the extensive body of research on how students learn to read. Visit the Science of Reading Professional Learning page to learn the goal of the bill, review the list of expanded access to high-quality professional learning and more.
ICYMI: Supplemental Guidance on District Dyslexia Policies
The KDE has developed guidance to support local boards of education as they begin developing dyslexia policies in accordance with House Bill (HB) 253 (2026). The supplement includes:
- Statutory and regulatory requirements that must be included in the district dyslexia policy;
- Model policy considerations for screening, intervention and family engagement; and
- Additional resources.
Review the supplemental Guidance on District Dyslexia Policies.
Just 5 Weeks Left: LETRS Cohort 5 Registration Deadline is Aug. 21!
Interested educators and administrators can visit the Kentucky Reading Academies webpage to learn more about LETRS for Educators and LETRS for Administrators, review enrollment information and complete the registration form.
Please note: Limited licenses are available for Cohort 5, and registration will be first come, first served.
Also of note: Cohort 4 participants will not need to register for Cohort 5, as they are already enrolled.
Questions about the Kentucky Reading Academies may be directed to KDE Director of Early Literacy Christie Biggerstaff.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions about Early Literacy, please email KDE Director of Early Literacy Christie Biggerstaff
For additional questions contact our Regional Literacy Directors:
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