Meet Mrs. Ray of Sunshine

Hello and welcome to my FIRST EVER blog post!

It’s only fitting that my first blog post would be used to tell you a little about myself.

Full disclosure: I am brand new to the world of blogging, but I wanted to find a way to connect with like-minded educators and thought a blog would be the perfect way to do just that.

Allow me to Introduce Myself…

My name is Emily Ray and I am the face behind the Mrs. Ray of Sunshine Blog. I am a new mom to baby girl Charlee and a fur mama to my gentle giant goldendoodle, Maizee. I am married to my very best friend, Eric, and could truly not imagine doing this crazy life with anyone else by my side.

Literacy and Justice for ALL!

I am very passionate about literacy instruction and like SO many teachers out there, have become invested in changing my teaching practices to align with the Science of Reading. It blows my mind and enrages me that I did not learn about these science-based teaching practices until very recently. BUT – onward and upward…I will continue learning as much as I possibly can about structured literacy to ensure all of the students I work with have the best chance possible to develop adequate reading skills.

This quote by Dr. Pamela Kastner says it all –

Keeping it OG

I am trained in Orton-Gillingham and working towards becoming OG certified to deepen my understanding of multisensory learning. I have loved what I have learned and played around with so far and I am eager to learn more as I continue on my OG journey.

I have also recently become interested in Evidence Based Literacy Instruction (EBLI) and would LOVE to pursue that training as well (if only money grew on trees).

Relationships over EVERYTHING!

As a teacher, I am a true believer in “relationships first, everything else second”. I strive to make connections with each and every one on my students so they feel safe and supported in their learning environment – whether it be in person or online. I think Rita Pierson said it best during her epic TED Talk – Every Kid Needs a Champion – when she said “kids don’t learn from people they don’t like”.

Bye, for now!

Being so new to blogging, I don’t know what will come of this – but I just wanted to put something out there to connect with and share resources with other teachers who are in the same boat that I am. Please take a peek at my TpT Store and check out some of the digital and low-prep resources I’ve been working on throughout my journey. Remember – we are all in this together to ensure ALL of our students become the best readers they can be!

Thanks for reading!

Xo Emily