Securing Teacher Buy-In to Safeguard Success with Literacy Initiatives

A strong literacy intervention program can make a transformative difference for students and teachers alike. Well-implemented, evidence-based programs empower educators to help their striving readers grow in both confidence and proficiency. 

Yet even the best programs can fail to deliver on their promise if they don’t take root. How can leaders help ensure a literacy initiative becomes a sustainable solution rather than an abandoned effort? It starts by involving teachers as true partners—not just implementers.  

Consider five strategies to ensure a literacy initiative becomes a sustainable solution that drives student achievement and teacher satisfaction: 

1. Involve Stakeholders Early 

Engaging teachers early builds a shared sense of purpose and can bring valuable insights to light. Before exploring new literacy intervention options, begin with collaborative conversations with teachers, centered around key questions: 

• What literacy-related challenges are you facing?  
• What literacy-focused outcomes do you hope to achieve? 
• What does literacy success look like for your students, and how might it be measured?  
• What support would you need to feel successful while implementing a literacy initiative?

Consider gathering input through surveys, small-group discussions, one-on-one conversations, or feedback during staff meetings. Seek input well before selecting a solution so that teachers have time to contribute thoughtful feedback to help shape the selection process. Involve other stakeholders, including instructional coaches, principals, and other building leaders as well. When people with varied roles and perspectives are brought into the conversation and can contribute meaningfully to an adoption process, the outcome is typically better for all.  

It can be impactful to use data to highlight the need for the initiative and to proactively communicate how success will be measured. Clarify decision-making roles and timelines from the outset. Even if final decisions rest with district and building leaders, transparency helps build trust and prepares everyone for what comes next. Point to alignment with district goals and emphasize that implementation success is a whole-team undertaking. 

2. Assess Ease of Use During the Evaluation Process 

Selecting a strong literacy intervention program isn’t just about finding the solution with the most research behind it. It’s also about finding a program that teachers can implement successfully, without adding undue complexity or burden. 

When evaluating options, prioritize solutions that are designed with ease of use in mind. Key features to look for include: 

• Softly scripted lessons that provide structure and consistency while still allowing teachers the flexibility to adapt instruction to their teaching styles and their students’ needs. 
• Clear, accessible data tools that enable teachers to monitor student progress and make informed instructional decisions. 
• Easy-to-use materials with predictable routines that minimize the learning curve and integrate seamlessly into classroom structures. 

Ease of use increases the likelihood of early success and can help fuel teachers' lasting engagement in a literacy initiative. 

3. Identify and Empower Key Teachers as Leaders 

Identify strong teachers who can serve as champions for a new program. Their early success stories can help cultivate enthusiasm and openness in their colleagues, and their insights can help surface and address any early implementation challenges. 

Teacher-leader champions often play a critical role in helping scale the program across additional grades or schools as well. Administrators and instructional coaches can ensure these teacher leaders are not carrying extra work as they assist colleagues, and that all teachers have access to the training, coaching, and support resources they need.  

4. Prepare for and Help Guide Strong Implementation 

Selecting a right-fit evidence-based solution is just the beginning. Effective literacy initiatives also include: 

• Strategic implementation planning 
• Professional learning tailored to teacher needs  
• Coaching and ongoing support 
• Partnership between the district and the solution provider  

For example, the SPIRE Literacy Suite from EPS Learning offers evidence-based Structured Literacy solutions designed to meet the needs of striving readers across a range of intervention settings. Through a strong partnership model, EPS Learning supports districts in effectively implementing the SPIRE Literacy Suite to drive measurable reading gains.   

Implementation planning begins with a needs assessment and the development of a customized professional learning and support plan. Teachers participate in a one-day training to launch the program, followed by ongoing professional learning and coaching provided by experienced educators. In addition, administrators receive targeted support to monitor progress, maintain fidelity of use, and drive continuous improvement.  

5. Stay Focused and Committed 

Change takes time, and so does growth. To support lasting success: 

• Avoid launching too many new initiatives simultaneously. 
• Give teachers the time, space, and support they need to adapt, refine, and deepen their practice. 
• Celebrate milestones along the way to maintain energy and commitment. 

When schools invest in thoughtful planning, inclusive decision-making, and sustained support, literacy initiatives can yield powerful outcomes for both students and teachers. It's not just about selecting the right intervention program, it’s about creating the conditions for it to take root and blossom.