Big news for Tennessee’s educators and students: ALLMemphis, a trailblazer in literacy education, has just been approved as the state’s newest Educator Preparation Provider (EPP)! This major milestone makes ALLMemphis the only non-university provider of this designation, allowing them to recommend licensed teachers for the Reading Specialist (RS) endorsement. In a time when literacy rates are a pressing concern nationwide, this approval has the potential to transform classrooms not just in Memphis, but across the entire state.
What This Means for Memphis Teachers and Students
Let’s be real. Our schools are facing a literacy crisis. Too many students are struggling to develop the reading skills they need to thrive. And while passionate, dedicated teachers want to help, many simply haven’t had access to the right training to teach reading effectively.
That’s where ALLMemphis comes in. Unlike traditional Reading Specialist programs that require teachers to take on extra coursework (and often hefty costs), ALLMemphis brings the training into the classroom. Instead of sending teachers back to school, they embed coaching into the school day, allowing educators to apply what they learn in real-time with their students.
This hands-on, practical approach is already making a difference. In just one year, schools using the ALLMemphis model have seen third-grade reading proficiency jump by 7.2 percentage points, far exceeding the state’s average improvement rate.
Building a Future of Literacy Leaders in Tennessee
With this EPP approval, ALLMemphis is set to recommend more than 40 teachers for their Reading Specialist endorsement this year alone. That means more classrooms will have highly trained literacy experts, helping break the cycle of reading struggles for thousands of students.
Dr. Krista L. Johnson, CEO of ALLMemphis, puts it best:
“We’re proving that investing in teachers directly impacts student success. For too long, literacy instruction has relied on fragmented, unsustainable solutions. ALLMemphis is changing this by providing schools and districts with a scalable, systemic approach to building teacher capacity.”
And it’s not just teachers who are benefiting. 500 Specialized Education Assistants in Memphis-Shelby County Schools are currently being trained in the Science of Reading, a research-backed method that ensures students get high-quality, structured reading support.
A Major Win for Students with Dyslexia
Another huge milestone for ALLMemphis? They’ve earned IDA Plus accreditation from the International Dyslexia Association, making them the only independent training organization in Tennessee to receive this recognition.
Why does this matter? This accreditation allows ALLMemphis to train educators to become certified interventionists, meaning they can provide specialized reading support to students with dyslexia.
For students who have spent years struggling with reading, this is life-changing.
Why This Matters for Memphis (and Beyond)
Memphis has long been home to innovators and game-changers, and ALLMemphis is continuing that tradition by redefining what teacher training and student support look like.
If you’re an educator, administrator, or district leader looking to level up literacy instruction, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. ALLMemphis is the only organization in Tennessee that can simultaneously train teachers, support students, and create lasting change at every level of literacy education.
How to Get Involved
Interested in partnering with ALLMemphis? Want to learn more about their Reading Specialist Endorsement Program, IDA Plus accreditation, or training opportunities? Reach out to Dr. Krista L. Johnson at kjohnson@allmemphis.org or visit ALLMemphis.org.
Memphis educators, this is your moment. ALLMemphis is proving that by investing in teachers, we invest in students, and ultimately, in the future of our city. Let’s make literacy success a reality for every child in Tennessee.