Phone: 512.232.8417
Email: subuchan@austin.utexas.edu
Dana Center Role
Susan leads the K–2 literacy intervention program for Literacy First, which is dedicated to providing low-income schools with highly trained tutors to ensure that children advance to grade level in reading before third grade. She also coordinates the partnerships between Literacy First and the Austin and Manor Independent School Districts.
Before Joining the Dana Center
Susan has more than 16 years’ experience working in K–3 classrooms in Title 1 schools.
Before joining Literacy First, Susan was the primary reading specialist for Austin ISD, where she developed curriculum, conducted professional development trainings, and designed and implemented the pilot for the Response to Intervention program. During her teaching career, Susan held a varsity of positions: classroom teacher, reading specialist, and K–3 reading coach.
As a classroom teacher, Susan worked intensely to make sure her students reached benchmark grade level; as a reading specialist, she worked with small groups of students and 1:1 with students that were reading below grade. As a K–3 reading coach, Susan assisted teachers by demonstrating lessons, preparing weekly lesson plans, and assisting with the implementation of “best practice” strategies to ensure student success.
Education
B.S., Applied Learning and Development, The University of Texas at Austin
Clinical Practicum and Instruction in Reading Recovery Certification, Texas State University