This episode features a rich conversation with author and educator M. Colleen Cruz about her new book, Neurodiversity in the Literacy Classroom: The General Educator’s Guide to IEPs, Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, and More. Colleen shares the story behind the book and explains why information about neurodivergent learners must move out of special education silos and into every general education classroom. Melanie, Stacey, and Colleen explore universal design for learning (UDL), explicit writing instruction, and concrete strategies to reduce instructional obstacles so that vulnerable learners can fully participate. They also discuss strengths-based IEPs, collaboration between general and special educators, and practical classroom strategies—from fine-motor supports to executive-function scaffolds—that help all writers, not just those with identified disabilities. Throughout the episode, Colleen emphasizes curiosity as a core stance for teachers seeking to better understand students’ behaviors, needs, and potential in the writing workshop.

M. Colleen Cruz is an educator, independent consultant, and author committed to making rich literacy education accessible. Her popular books include The Unstoppable Writing Teacher, the Writers Read Better series, and Border Crossing, a Tomás Rivera Mexican- American Children’s Books Finalist. Her student-centered, research-driven work is used by classroom teachers, administrators, and teacher education programs nationally and internationally. She lives in Brooklyn with her family, her persnickety dog Charlie, and way too many books. 

Connect with Colleen Online: 

• Instagram: @mcolleencruz 
• LinkedIn: m-colleen-cruz
• Substack: @mcolleencruz
• X: @colleen_cruz 
• Website: colleencruz.com

Mentioned in the episode:

• Archaeology of Self: The Introspective Educator’s Guide to Racial Literacy by Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz
• "Living with Dignity in Education: How noticing dignity can transform teaching, learning, and collaboration" by Leah Mermelstein
• Maryanne Wolf

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• Melanie Meehan: [email protected] 
• Stacey Shubitz: [email protected]

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.