Alumna’s Next Chapter Shaped by Inspirational Teacher

"Mrs. Blumberg had an outsized impact on my life," Tara shared. "To this day, she remains the best teacher I've ever had — including in college, law school, and my master's program. She was this larger-than-life force. She introduced me to great literature and served as a role model and advisor to the Faces literary magazine. She took me under her wing and helped me with my college essay. She put her whole heart into everything and opened my eyes to a world of literature."

After working as a government lawyer, law school administrator, and career and academic advisor, Tara decided to make a career change.

“I went back to school to pursue a master's degree in special education, focusing on learning disabilities, after our oldest son was diagnosed with dyslexia in early elementary school,” recalled Tara. “Since then, I’ve worked as an ESL teacher (English as a Second Language), engaged in teacher professional development around evidence-aligned reading instruction, and volunteered with area nonprofits such as the D.C. Capital Area Branch of the International Dyslexia Association.”

Today, Tara serves as a structured literacy and educational therapist with District Kids: Center for Minds and Hearts in Washington, D.C. 

“This fall, I'll also join Washington International School as a part-time learning specialist for ninth graders,” said Tara. “I’m excited to be back in a school setting, working with students as they transition to the demands of an IB (international baccalaureate) high school program.”

Tara said she loves reading and teaching middle grade, young adult, and literary fiction alike.

"I'm constantly toggling between fiction for adults and the books I'm reading with my students or my own kids," said Tara. “On any given day, I might be reading and supporting students’ understanding of Lois Lowry's The Giver; Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, which I first read in Mrs. Blumberg's class; Daniel Nayeri's Teacher of Nomad Land; or Kate Messner's Breakout. At home this summer, I’m rereading Connecticut-native Veera Hiranandani's The Night Diary with our rising seventh grader, and Emily St. John Mandel's Station Eleven with our rising ninth grader, who, thanks to the support of great educators and structured literacy instruction, now reads beautifully.”

Tara feels grateful for the love of literature nurtured long ago in Mrs. Blumberg's classroom.

“Mrs. Blumberg played such a central role in my life and career today. Being part of my students' literacy journeys has been both a privilege and a joy,” reflected Tara.