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Seema Tejura
Founder and Lead Consultant: The Literacy Architects. Experienced ELA Director and Chief Academic Officer
Professional Background
Seema Tejura is a seasoned educator with over a decade of rich experience in the field of literacy education, showcasing her expertise as a reading specialist, literacy coach, and academic leader. She is the founder of The Literacy Architects, LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to transforming literacy instruction for schools and districts across the United States. Throughout her career, Seema has committed herself to improving reading and writing instruction, advocating for research-based practices in teaching to ensure that every child can learn to read proficiently.
Seema's extensive background includes significant roles such as the Chief Academic Officer at Pittsburgh Public Schools and the Director of Reading Language Arts at Dallas Independent School District. She has also served as a Literacy Consultant at Teaching Lab and an Instructional Leadership Coach at Leading Educators. Each position has equipped her with invaluable insights into the educational landscape, enabling her to foster professional development that meets the needs of educators and students alike.
Under Seema's leadership, The Literacy Architects has developed a suite of self-paced professional development courses focusing on early literacy, text-dependent instruction, and best practices for remote teaching. By collaborating with various educational entities, including districts, schools, nonprofits, and state agencies, Seema aims to enhance instructional practices, ensuring teachers are well-versed in the science of reading.
Education and Achievements
Seema Tejura pursued her educational credentials with great dedication. She holds a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from The George Washington University, and a Master's Degree as a Reading Specialist from the distinguished Teachers College of Columbia University. Additionally, Seema earned her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis, which has undoubtedly contributed to her understanding of cognitive processes that underpin reading development.
Her commitment to literacy is reinforced by her diverse certifications. Seema is a certified reading specialist, a Certified Academic Language Practitioner (CALP), a licensed dyslexia practitioner in Texas, and a Certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner. These qualifications not only highlight her deep knowledge of literacy education but also reflect her dedication to supporting students who encounter unique challenges in their learning journeys.
Notable Contributions
Throughout her career, Seema Tejura has made remarkable contributions to the field of education, particularly in enhancing literacy practices. The Literacy Architects has pioneered innovative professional development initiatives that focus on phonological awareness, phonics, and knowledge-based curricula, all of which are crucial components in equipping teachers with the tools necessary to support their students' literacy development.
Seema's earlier roles as an Instructional Leadership Coach and Literacy Consultant have positioned her to influence educational strategies significantly. Her work with the District of Columbia Public Schools and other educational organizations has been instrumental in creating practical frameworks that educators can utilize to foster effective literacy instruction across diverse classroom settings.
Moreover, Seema has engaged in hands-on teaching experiences, having served as a Reading Specialist at the Reece School and an Academic Intervention Specialist at Harlem Link Charter School. She has trained future educators as a Supervisor for the Reading Specialist Practicum at Teachers College, Columbia University, demonstrating her commitment to the growth of the next generation of literacy leaders. Her roots in community service, as evidenced by her AmeriCorps volunteer work, further underscore her passion for promoting literacy at all levels.
Vision for Literacy Education
Seema Tejura is driven by a vision where every student is equipped with the skills needed to become proficient readers and writers. Through her leadership at The Literacy Architects, she aims to bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that professional development is engaging, practical, and responsive to the evolving educational landscape. Her unwavering belief that all teachers should have the necessary training in the science of reading guides her initiatives and outreach efforts.
As the founder of The Literacy Architects, Seema continues to advocate for systemic change within literacy instruction. Through her focus on pertinent areas such as text-dependent instruction and evidence-based strategies, she seeks to empower educators, enabling them to inspire future generations of learners. For more information on her work and the courses offered by The Literacy Architects, you can visit their official website.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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Yes. Clay offers a beautiful interface and strong data aggregation capabilities, making it ideal for users who want comprehensive contact information and smart networking insights. Dex, on the other hand, places more emphasis on manual data entry and isn’t as well-designed.
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