Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity

06/17/2026

Our team is deeply saddened to inform our community about the passing of Dr. Wanda Debrewer on June 5, 2026. Dr. Debrewer was a pillar of the MILE team from the earliest days of our development. Her wisdom and knowledge as a scholar and educator were only surpassed by her kindness, joy, and humanity that she brought to MILE every single day. Read our full statement here: go.umd.edu/rememberingdrdebrewer

We know many others will join us in mourning her loss and celebrating the incredible gifts and legacy she leaves behind. If you would like to support her family, you can do so at go.umd.edu/honoringdrdebrewer

You can also read about one of her favorite nonprofits, Backyard Basecamp, or make a donation in Wanda’s honor.

06/10/2026

The MILE team is thrilled to announce our newest doctor, Dr. Heather Blackwell! Read our full announcement here: https://go.umd.edu/drblackwell

Dr. Blackwell’s dissertation, “Blackness Gon Save Us: How Black Teacher Candidates Use Culturally Sustainable Pedagogy in their Science of Reading Instruction,” centered Black teacher candidates to learn how they perceive and use culturally sustaining pedagogy in Science of Reading instruction.

05/27/2026

Our Spring 2026 Lunch and Learn webinars are up on our YouTube channel! Check out the playlist here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWZuKgTs__jJKi9TtKNypnCRYWYZevKt1&si=c6HNIjYn7_SjfZPS

05/27/2026

Some highlights from the 2026 Dual Language Educator Conference 📚⭐️ View the full photo album here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mdliteracyequity/albums/72177720333878955

05/22/2026

Yesterday, the MILE team got together for our 2026 Strategic Planning Day. We reflected on what we have accomplished and look forward to future opportunities to continue promoting literacy and equity in the state of Maryland.

05/15/2026

Last year’s DLEC social hour dance lesson was a hit, so we’re bringing the energy back this year with a special performance and dance lesson from the Titanes Salseros Dance Team, an award-winning group from Albert Einstein High School in Montgomery County, MD! 💃🕺

The Dual Language Educator Conference is tomorrow, May 16. Don’t forget to register and join the celebration: https://www.mile.umd.edu/dlec-2026

05/12/2026

Please join us in celebrating Project Manager Dr. Wanda Debrewer on the successful defense of her dissertation, “A Case Study: We Out Here!: Black Girls’ Lived Experiences in Outdoor Learning,” from Morgan State University.

As a Black Girl Cartographer, Dr. Debrewer does powerful work mapping the educational landscape of our youngest Black female scientists, exploring how outdoor learning experiences foster joy, belonging, agency, and curiosity.

And, as part of our Grand Challenges team, Dr. Debrewer has never shied away from a grand challenge. Her research challenges us to critically think about who learning spaces are designed for and why Black girls deserve environments that affirm and invest in their brilliance. We are proud that Dr. Debrewer’s work will continue shaping conversations about equity, education, and belonging for years to come.

Read our full statement here: https://www.mile.umd.edu/news/dr-wanda-debrewer-successfully-defends-dissertation

05/07/2026

Our last Lunch and Learn of the semester, "Spotlight on Schema, Strategy, & Language of Reading in Improving Literacy Outcomes" with Anita Pandey is now available on YouTube! Check it out here:

For MILE's May Lunch and Learn, facilitated by Courtney Overton, Anita Pandey gave insights beneficial to pre-K-3 instructors (including dual language and ES...

05/04/2026

You asked, we listened. 🎙️ These sessions were built from YOUR feedback and we're excited to bring them to life. Register now and join us May 16th: https://www.mile.umd.edu/dlec-2026

05/01/2026

Maryland Day was a success! Thank you to everyone who joined us for literacy and neuroscience-themed activities 📚🗣️🧠