Summer is coming and it’s time for play. Keep literacy learning a part of each day! Word play is fun and easy to do. Think of the words for the things around you.

As educators, our mission is to provide all of our students with opportunities as they move into the working world. Sadly, 32 million adult Americans read below a basic level. Locked into low-wage jobs, nearly 60 percent of those with low literacy earn less than $16,000 annually. These are people who lack foundational reading skills. What can we do about this issue?

Two weeks ago, we shared Part One of our inspiring conversation with Julian Gaines is a globally recognized artist whose work is unique, inspiring, and embodies what it is to be MORE. Here is Part Two.

Because of his work and belief in the potential in every child, Voyager Sopris Learning commissioned Julian to create our signature #IAmMore graphics, which have been the focal point of the movement and campaign designed to give teachers and students a voice and share their stories of what makes them more than meets the eye.

Dyslexia is the most common type of developmental reading disability and one of the most studied of all learning disorders. Advocates have successfully pushed more than 40 states to adopt rules and guidelines for the identification and treatment of dyslexia. Given prevalence estimates of about 5 percent to 17 percent of all students, one or two who merit this descriptor are likely to be in every classroom. Thus, every teacher should be familiar with the nature of the disorder and how to teach children who are affected by it.

In the scope of a school year, it’s difficult to fill the cups of educators to support and refine knowledge of teaching literacy. Still, professionals require professional development.