Lowcountry Literacy Project

08/23/2026

Sunday's are for reflections and we are loving these throwback photos. Before there was an organization, there was a need. 💙📚

In March of 2018, Sheila Costello led this Orton-Gillingham training, bringing together a small group curious about the OG approach. No one had any idea it would kick off a series of more cohorts and more training in Charleston.

Pictured:
Catherine Skeen, Holly Moses, Gretchen Naylor, Christine Mazur, Sheila Costello, Lindsey Ballenger
Location: Charleston Day School
The first seeds were planted long before there was an organization. Today, we're watching the harvest unfold—one teacher, one classroom, one reader at a time.

08/22/2026

🏃‍♀️📚 Meet The OG Run Club!
Around here, our cohorts have names—and this one might be our favorite yet.
These CCSD teachers are taking going the extra mile quite literally.
We love that our cohorts become more than training. They become communities of educators learning, growing, and encouraging one another.

Going the extra mile for their students—in more ways than one.
Jennie Moore Elementary
Johns Island Elementary
Mamie Whitesides Elementary
Mount Pleasant Academy
Springfield Academy
Community Montessori
James Simons Montessori
Memminger Elementary
CCSD Curriculum & Instruction
Dyslexia
County School District

08/21/2026

Training is the beginning. Coaching is where it comes to life. 💙📚
Learning something new is one thing. Taking it back to a classroom full of students and putting it into practice is another.
That’s why coaching is such an important part of the LLP model.
Throughout the year, our educators have a place to ask questions, troubleshoot challenges, strengthen their practice, and keep growing—with support from experienced coaches who understand the work.

08/21/2026

Honored to be included in the Perfect Cents campaign with other SC Literacy Leaders! 🙌

08/21/2026

Work hard. Play hard. 💙
A little dinner and downtime with the Fellows of the Lowcountry Literacy Project after a full day of learning together!
And an extra special treat — Sheila Costello, who trained this incredible group, stopped by for training (and dinner!). There’s something pretty special about seeing the impact of one great teacher continue to multiply through others.
Missing Susan Nyman, but grateful for this team and all they pour into LLP, our teachers, and ultimately, our students.
The work is serious. The learning never stops. But we have a lot of fun along the way. 💙

08/20/2026

Literacy is workforce development. Literacy is economic development.
When children learn to read, we aren't only changing what is possible for them in the classroom, we're building the foundation for a stronger workforce, greater economic mobility, and a thriving community.
That's why corporate partnerships are so important to us. Our business community understands that investing in teachers today is an investment in the Lowcountry's children.
A big thank you to The Beach Company for partnering with us and investing in a future where more children have the opportunity to become confident, capable readers.
Strong readers. Strong workforce. Stronger Lowcountry. 💙📚

08/19/2026

Today and tomorrow we are back together with 23 outstanding educators who began their Orton-Gillingham journey two weeks ago as we continue through the coursework.
They represent schools and teams across Charleston County:
📍 Jennie Moore Elementary
📍 Johns Island Elementary
📍 Whitesides Elementary
📍 Mount Pleasant Academy
📍 Springfield Elementary
📍 Community Montessori
📍 James Simons Montessori
📍 Memminger Elementary
📍 CCSD Curriculum & Instruction

We’ll be following their journey all year—from coursework, to coaching, to classrooms, to student impact. Stay with us.

08/19/2026

INSIDE THE CLASSROOM | Ladson Elementary 📚
What does literacy transformation look like from a principal’s perspective?
This week, we hear from Principal Cristina Frazzano about the impact she has seen at Ladson Elementary as teachers deepen their understanding of how children learn to read—and put that knowledge into practice.
Because lasting change doesn’t come from a single training day. It comes when school leaders, teachers and coaches work together to turn knowledge into stronger instruction for students.
🎥 Hear what Ms. Frazzano is seeing inside the classroom.

08/17/2026

08/17/2026

💙💙

To all the problem-solvers, advocates, and partners who show up every day to improve
lives in your community and our country, thank you for the lasting change you create.
is your day.

And to anyone else who believes in these organizations and their work, here’s how you
can show your support:
Volunteer with a local nonprofit
Donate to local programs

Go to nonprofitsgetitdone.org, and remind your lawmaker to continue supporting
nonprofits