Welcome to our National Literacy Month series of podcasts, presented in partnership between the Be Podcast Network and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).

In this interview, Tanya Sheckley and Brittany Botta from Up Academy discussed their Rebel Project Literacy Curriculum. They explained that project-based learning often didn't align well with literacy, so they developed this curriculum that focuses on a particular aspect of writing in

each module. They have seen positive results, with students not showing resistance to reading and writing. The curriculum divides the literacy block into community, agency, SELf-check, empowerment, and wrap-up. They emphasized the importance of creating time

for learning what really matters and providing space and time for students to read to increase literacy in schools.

• Up Academy - love of learning, inclusive educational space. 
• Project based learning didn’t always align well to literacy. 
• Rebel Project Literacy Curriculum
• Each module is focused on a particular aspect of writing. 
• Don’t see the resistance to reading and writing with this curriculum. 
• Not teaching the same stuff all the time, but getting to the same goals. 
• Literacy block divided into community, agency, SELf-check, empowerment, wrap-up
• Restaurant project - partnered with a local restaurant
• School Shirt opinion - leading to opinion writing. 
• Science of reading incorporation. 
• How to increase literacy in your school: Create time for learning what really matters. Space and time for students to read. 
• Increase reading time, talk to students about the books they’re reading. 

About Tanya Sheckley and Brittany Botta

Tanya Sheckley is Founder and President of UP Academy, an elementary lab school which values innovation, empathy and strength. Tanya’s vision and mission show it’s possible to celebrate differences, challenge what’s broken in the American education system, and that all children can receive a rigorous, well rounded education.  She is an Edupreneur,  Author of Rebel Educator: Create Classrooms Where Imagination and Impact Meet and host of the Rebel Educator podcast.  She speaks frequently on the future of education and entrepreneurship. She is a rebel educator who works with new and existing schools and small school leaders to question the status quo and develop innovative student experiences through inclusion and project based learning.

Brittany Botta Director of Teaching and Learning at Up Academy and the author of the Rebel Project Literacy Curriculum.