Author & Consultant Team

Benchmark Advance authors and consultants are pedagogical leaders and instructional innovators. Their work is grounded in real-world classroom practice.

The program is supported by comprehensive professional development solutions delivered by highly qualified trainers—experts in comprehensive literacy. Our PD solutions are customizable and delivered in formats tailored to your school's needs.

Linda Hoyt,
M.A.

Reading specialist, curriculum developer, Title I teacher, staff developer, and Title I District Coordinator

Jeff Zwiers,
Ed.D.

Senior researcher at Stanford University; co-director of the Academic Language Development Network, focusing on accelerating students’ literacy, language, cognition, and conversation skills

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Adria Klein,
Ph.D.

Director of a center focused on early literacy intervention at Saint Mary’s College of California; former president, California Reading Association; served on International Literacy Association’s Board of Directors

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Wiley Blevins,
Ed.M.

Early reading specialist, children’s book author, curriculum developer, and author of many professional books on phonics and word study

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Janet Williams,
Ed.D.

Literacy and school leadership consultant; administrator coach; and former teacher, principal, and deputy superintendent in large urban district

Allison Briceño,
Ed.D.

Assistant Professor of Elementary Education, San José State University – English Learner Leadership Fellow, California Association of Bilingual Educators

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Patty McGee,
M.Ed.

Professional development specialist, prolific writer, consultant, presenter, and author of professional books on writing

Silvia Dorta-Duque de Reyes,
M.A.

2018 NABE Leadership Award winner, member of the Expert Panel – California English Language Development (ELD) Standards, Curriculum Framework and Evaluation Criteria Committee

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Peter Afflerbach,
Ph.D.

Professor of Reading in the Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership at the University of Maryland

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Michael Priestley, M.A.

Professional writer and editor; designer and developer of state and national assessments

René Boyer,
Ed.D.

Professor Emeritus of Music Education at the University of Cincinnati; nationally and internationally recognized for multicultural and urban music education