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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE)

@mdliteracyequity.bsky.social
157 followers 60 following 93 posts

An interdisciplinary initiative advancing literacy + equity in MD 📚 •📍University of Maryland + Morgan State University linktr.ee/mdliteracyequity

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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
MILE is proud to partner with Strong Readers Prince George's to present the Prince George's Community Literacy Summit, alongside an exciting group of co-organizers + partners with the shared goal to advance literacy in Prince George's County and beyond 📚⭐️ education.umd.edu/mile/events/...
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
We are deeply saddened to inform our community about the passing of Dr. Wanda Debrewer. If you would like to support Wanda’s family, visit go.umd.edu/honoringdrdebrewer. You can also donate in her honor to one of her favorite non-profits, backyardbasecamp.org Link in bio to read our full statement.
The MILE team is deeply saddened to inform our community about the passing of Dr. Wanda Debrewer on June 5, 2026. Dr. Debrewer was a pillar of the MILE team from the earliest days of our development. Her wisdom and knowledge as a scholar and educator were only surpassed by her kindness, joy, and humanity that she brought to MILE every single day.

We know many others will join us in mourning her loss and celebrating the incredible gifts and legacy she leaves behind. If you would like to support her family, you can do so at go.umd.edu/honoringdrdebrewer. You can also read about one of her favorite nonprofits, Backyard basecamp, INC., or make a donation in Wanda’s honor.
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
The MILE team is thrilled to announce our newest doctor, Dr. Heather Blackwell! Read our full announcement here: go.umd.edu/drblackwell
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Some highlights from the 2026 Dual Language Educator Conference 📚⭐️ View the full photo album here: www.flickr.com/photos/mdlit...
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Yesterday, the MILE team got together for our 2026 Strategic Planning Day. We reflected on what we have accomplished and look forward to future opportunities to continue promoting literacy and equity in the state of Maryland.
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Congratulations to Project Manager Dr. Wanda Debrewer on successfully defending her MSU dissertation, “A Case Study: We Out Here!: Black Girls’ Lived Experiences in Outdoor Learning." www.mile.umd.edu/news/dr-wand...
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Our last Lunch and Learn of the semester, "Spotlight on Schema, Strategy, & Language of Reading in Improving Literacy Outcomes" with Anita Pandey is now available on YouTube! Check it out here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uvi...
youtube.com
Spotlight on Schema, Strategy, & Language of Reading in Improving Literacy Outcomes | Anita Pandey
YouTube video by Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
You asked, we listened. 🎙️ These sessions were built from YOUR feedback and we're excited to bring them to life. Register now and join us May 16th: www.mile.umd.edu/dlec-2026
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Why attend the DLEC on May 16th? Take it from our past participants! Register now: www.mile.umd.edu/dlec-2026
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Meet our DLEC speaker: Dr. Jasmine Brann! 2024 DC Public Schools Principal of the Year, champion for Black/bilingual learners, and dowritetoday.org founder, Dr. Brann is bringing her brilliance to the Dual Language Educator Conference. Register: www.mile.umd.edu/dlec-2026
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Tomorrow, April 25th, is Maryland Day! Visit us at the College of Education tents on McKeldin Mall and keep an eye out for our MILE banner 🪧📚
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Don’t miss our May 5th Lunch and Learn, “Spotlight on Schema, Strategy, and the Language of Reading in Improving Literacy Outcomes!” with Dr. Anita Pandey. Learn more + register: www.mile.umd.edu/calendar/spo...
mile.umd.edu
Spotlight on Schema, Strategy, and the Language of Reading in Improving Literacy Outcomes! — Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Head to our YouTube channel to watch our April Lunch and Learn with Diamond Emelda Williams, “’Shine Brite!’ Meditations to Promote Neuroplasticity & Cultural Relevance.” youtu.be/lk_Di_h9f0A?...
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Shine Brite! Meditations to Promote Neuroplasticity & Cultural Relevance | Diamond Emelda Williams
YouTube video by Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
THREAD (1/2) Register now for our next Lunch & Learn webinar on April 17th, “’Shine Brite!’ Meditations to Promote Neuroplasticity & Cultural Relevance” with Diamond Emelda Williams! www.mile.umd.edu/calendar/shi...
mile.umd.edu
"Shine Brite!" Meditations to Promote Neuroplasticity & Cultural Relevance — Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
Couldn't attend our March? Lunch and Learn? Check out José Ortiz's Lunch and Learn, "Building Shared Expertise for Multilingual Learners: Strategies for Long Term Growth" on our YouTube channel! www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1dH...
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Building Shared Expertise for Multilingual Learners: Strategies for Long Term Growth with José Ortiz
YouTube video by Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
There TWO days left to register for the Dual Language Educator Conference at our lowest rate of the season. 🗓️ Early Bird pricing ends March 31: Individual: $50, Group of 3+: $40/person Starting April 1, individual registration increases to $75. Secure your spot today: www.mile.umd.edu/dlec-2026
mile.umd.edu
Dual Language Educator Conference 2026 — Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
MILE is excited to present our next Lunch & Learn webinar on March 27th, “Building Shared Expertise for Multilingual Learners: Strategies for Long Term Growth” with Dr. José Ortiz. Learn more and register here: www.mile.umd.edu/calendar/bui...
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Giving Day fund. It is the support of our community, in all forms, that allows up to do what we do.
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
It's Giving Day! By supporting MILE today, you help advance children’s literacy and empower educators to help children become confident, skilled readers. Thank you for your support! Donate here: givingday.umd.edu/campaigns/mile
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Registration is open for the Dual Language Educator Conference, set for May 16th, 2026! Register between now and March 31st for discounted early bird pricing. Want to bring friends? We offer registration discounts for groups of three or more. 🔗 Learn more and register: www.mile.umd.edu/dlec-2026
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Tomorrow, MILE and our group of ambitious students are headed to the Maryland State House for MILE Advocates, our third annual advocacy event, where we’ll advocate for policies that advance literacy for all. Wish us luck!
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Giving Day is on Wednesday, March 4th! Bookmark our page and learn more about our fund: givingday.umd.edu/campaigns/mile
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Advance your impact in literacy education! 📚✨The Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership's Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Literacy Coaching (K-12) is designed for educators ready to lead with equity and evidence-based practice. Interest form: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Did you miss our February Lunch and Learn? Check out Jade Wexler's Lunch and Learn, "Evidence and Lessons Learned from A Secondary Schoolwide Literacy Model Approach," on our YouTube channel! youtu.be/laEe3galJl0
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Evidence and Lessons Learned from A Secondary Schoolwide Literacy Model Approach with Jade Wexler
YouTube video by Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
There's less than one week left to submit your proposals! Be sure to submit your proposal for the Dual Language Educator Conference by February 15th 🗓️ The conference is set for May 16th, stay tuned for registration information.
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
MILE is excited to present our upcoming Lunch & Learn on with Jade Wexler. This talk, hosted virtually, includes insights beneficial to secondary administrators, leadership teams, and teachers. Learn more and register below. Date: Feb 11 | Time: 12:00 PM | Virtual www.mile.umd.edu/calendar/sec...
mile.umd.edu
Evidence and Lessons Learned from A Secondary Schoolwide Literacy Model Approach — Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
Meet Dr. April Baker-Bell, our symposium speaker! Dr. Baker-Bell will lead "Linguistic Justice: From Theory to Praxis," a workshop exploring ways to integrate the principles of Linguistic Justice in curriculum + instruction Feb 13 | 📍 MSU | Learn more/register: mile.umd.edu/research-symposium-2026
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
MILE is excited to announce our symposium co-host, the National Center for the Elimination of Educational Disparities (NCEED). We look forward to collaborating with NCEED to host this annual day of learning and collaboration. Learn more and register: www.mile.umd.edu/research-sym...
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
THREAD 1/3 (espańol/français) DEADLINE EXTENDED 🚨 We invite educators & leaders in Dual Language Bilingual Ed, including both two-way & immersion programs, to submit session proposals for the Dual Language Educator Conference. Submit proposals by February 15th! Click the link in bio to learn more 🔗
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
Our latest lunch and learn with Dr. Donald Bolger and Dr. Courtney Overton is now available on our YouTube channel. Check it out here: youtu.be/UgyNkDiDNhs
youtu.be
Understanding the New Definition of Dyslexia with DJ Bolger and Courtney Overton
YouTube video by Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
Don’t miss our webinar on December 16th at 12:00 PM, “Understanding the New Definition of Dyslexia: How Brain and Language Science Inform our Outlook” 🔗 Click the link in bio to register!
Webinar poster with the title 'Understanding the New Definition of Dyslexia.' Features speakers Dr. DJ Bolger and Dr. Courtney Overton smiling.
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
English/espańol/français THREAD 1/3: We invite educators and leaders in Dual Language Bilingual Education, including both two-way and immersion programs, to submit session proposals for the Dual Language Educator Conference. Submit proposals by January 11th! Click the link in bio to learn more 🔗
Graphic poster for the MILE Dual Language Educator Conference. Text reads 'Call for Proposals. MILE DUAL language Educator Conference. Saturday, March 14th, University of Maryland.' Background includes stylized trees and a colorful geometric border at the bottom.
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Reposted by Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE)
CEii @ceii-umd.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
We’re looking forward to this month’s Network Event. MythBusting: The Science of Reading Edition, held in collaboration with the Maryland Initiative for Literacy and Equity @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social We’ll explore common misconceptions about the Science of Reading. Wednesday, December 3rd
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
On December 3rd at 12:00 PM, head to Tawes Hall at UMD to hear from Dr. Ana Taboada Barber at her upcoming talk, Reading Science for Emergent Bilinguals: Evidence from Bilingual Cognition. This event is part of UMD's Human Development Colloquium Series. Learn more: www.mile.umd.edu/calendar/rea...
mile.umd.edu
Reading Science for Emergent Bilinguals: Evidence from Bilingual Cognition — Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity
Hear from MILE team member Dr. Ana Taboada Barber at her upcoming talk, Reading Science for Emergent Bilinguals: Evidence from Bilingual Cognition, as part of the University of Maryland’s Human Deve...
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Reserva la fecha para la conferencia de los educadores de la educación bilingüe.
Conference banner titled 'la conferencia de los educadores de la educación bilingüe. El sábado 14 de marzo de 2026 en la universidad de Maryland. El tema: Arraigados en la comunidad para empoderar la educación bilingüe.' Includes a geometric tree and colorful border.
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Save the date for the 3rd annual MILE Dual Language Educator Conference!
Conference banner titled 'MILE Dual Language Educator Conference' with theme 'Rooted in Community; Empowering Bilingual Education. Sat, March 14th, University of Maryland’ Includes a geometric tree and colorful border.
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
El Laboratorio de Diversidad Lingüística busca familias bilingües (español/inglés) para un estudio sobre el uso del idioma en la infancia. Niños de 4 a 9 años (Padres mayores de 18 años) | 30 min | $20 | En línea o presencial | ¿Te interesa? Haz clic en el enlace de la biografía
A graphic written in Spanish features an image of two parents and a child looking at a book in the top right corner, with logos for the Language Diversity Lab, University of Maryland, and Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE). 

The image reads:
Estudio sobre el lenguaje en niños bilingües. Invitamos a las familias bilingües (español y inglés) a participar en un estudio de investigación sobre cómo los niños bilingües usan sus idiomas.
Criterios de participación: Niños (de 4 a 9 años de edad; hablan o escuchan español e inglés; niños con o sin trastornos de lenguaje y habla), padres de 18 años o más.
Qué esperar de esta investigación: Una sesión de 30 minutos (presencial o en línea). La sesión será grabada en audio.
Compensación por su participación: $20.
Si está interesada/o en participar, contáctenos: ldl@umd.edu, (301) 531-4864.
PI: Dr. José Ortiz. Esta investigación ha sido aprobada por UMD IRB: 2358739-3.
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
UMD’s Language Diversity Lab is seeking bilingual (Spanish/English) families for a study on how children use their languages. 👧 Ages 4-9 (Parents ages 18+) | 🕐 30 min | 💰 $20 | Online or in person Learn more: www.mile.umd.edu/news/study-o... | Contact: ldl.hesp@umd.edu (301) 531-4864
A graphic features an image of two parents and a child looking at a book in the top right corner, with logos on the page for the Language Diversity Lab, University of Maryland, and Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE).

The graphic reads:
Study of Language in Bilingual Children. Bilingual (Spanish-English) families are invited to participate in a study about how bilingual children use their languages.
Eligibility: Children (4 to 9 years old; speak or hear both Spanish and English; with or without language disorders/disabilities) and parents ages 18 or older.
What to expect: One 30-minute session (in person or online). The session will be audio recorded.
Compensation for participation: $20.
If you’re interested in participating, contact us: ldl.hesp@umd.edu, (301) 531-4864.
PI: Dr. José Ortiz. This study is approved by UMD IRB: 2358739-3.
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
We’re honored to be named one of the five campaign priorities in the College of Education’s Forward: Read all about it here: mile.umd.edu/news/mile-among-top-five-priorities
mile.umd.edu
MILE Among Top Five Priorities in UMD College of Education’s Forward Campaign — Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity
The Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) is honored to be named one of the five campaign priorities in the College of Education’s Forward: The University of Maryland Campaign for the F...
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
Our team was excited to collaborate with CEii to host a half-day Science of Learning workshop for their new network members! MILE team member Heather Blackwell facilitated the session, sharing practical, research-backed strategies to help students learn more deeply and fairly across all subjects.
A women stands in a large room, around tables with people attending a workshop. She is speaking into a microphone and there is a projector screen with text on it on the wall.A women stands in a large room, around tables with people attending a workshop. She is speaking into a microphone and there is a projector screen with text on it on the wall.A women stands in a large room, around tables with people attending a workshop. She is speaking into a microphone and there is a projector screen with text on it on the wall.
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
Every child deserves to be healthy, safe, and supported. That’s why we’re excited to highlight the Karabelle Pizzigati Initiative’s lecture with Sean Johnson on Nov 6th at 4:30 PM in 0301 Thurgood Marshall Hall. RSVP: go.umd.edu/kpilecture2025
Karabelle pizzigati lecture on children’s advocacy with Sean Johnson, Executive Director, Maryland State Education Association
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
The MILE team took the stage at the 9th Annual Reading League Conference in Chicago! Drs. Gibson, Bolger & Groth led a panel on Maryland’s Science of Reading implementation, equity, & parent engagement. Read more here: www.mile.umd.edu/news/from-po...
News: MILE leads science of reading panel at reading league conference
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
Introducing our new Executive Director, Laura Groth 📣! A researcher, coach, and education expert with 15+ years in K-12 and higher ed research, policy, and project management, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to MILE. The team can't wait to further our mission under her leadership!
Laura Groth’s headshot with text to the left that says that says “Leadership spotlight: Dr. Laura Groth. MILE’s new executive director”
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
THREAD 1/3 🚨 Announcement: change in leadership 🚨 After serving as our founding Executive Director from 2023 to 2025, Dr. Margaret Peterson is returning to her role as Associate Clinical Faculty at UMD.
Text reads "Announcement: A New Chapter at MILE" with a picture of Maggie Peterson and Laura Groth in MILE t-shirts to the right of the text.
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
Starting off the academic year strong, we joined the Maryland Language Science Center at The Library of Congress National Book Festival to bring Build-a-Word: A Virtual Reality Arctic Expedition to life!
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
Photos and videos are up from our Literacy Leadership Summit! Check it all here: www.mile.umd.edu/news/photo-literacy-leadership-summit
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Reposted by Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE)
UMD Language Science Center @umd-lsc.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
Language Science Day is right around the corner! Register by THIS MONDAY, September 15th, for our signature annual event: go.umd.edu/lsd25
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
📢 MILE Innovation Seed Grants are open for UMD + Morgan State faculty and doctoral students 👩‍🎓 Doctoral students: up to $5,000 👩‍🏫 Faculty: up to $10,000 UMD & MSU scholars advancing equitable language & literacy are encouraged to apply. Winners present at the 2026 MILE Symposium! 🔗 go.umd.edu/lrs
MILE INNOVATION SEED GRANTS. Are you a faculty member or doctoral student at UMD or Morgan State? Submit your proposal today! Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE).
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Reposted by Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE)
UMD Language Science Center @umd-lsc.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
🧠 Paid Research Study on Language & the Brain! 🧠 The Action and Brain Lab at Gallaudet University is looking for hearing, non-signing adults to participate in a study on how we process American Sign Language. DETAILS IN THREAD BELOW 👇
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Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) @mdliteracyequity.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
Photos from the Dual Language Educator Conference are up on our website 🎉📸 Check them out here: www.mile.umd.edu/news/photo-d...
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