Message from our Executive Director
Happy New Year!
As we begin a new year, I want to thank you for the energy, dedication, and professionalism you bring to our learning community. January offers us a moment to reflect on the work behind us while also looking ahead with purpose and optimism.
In the months ahead, NHTLLA will continue to focus on high-quality professional learning, meaningful collaboration, and advocacy that supports literacy educators and leaders across New Hampshire. We are excited about upcoming events, new partnerships, and opportunities for you to connect, learn, and lead alongside colleagues from across the state.
I encourage you to take advantage of the resources and offerings highlighted in this newsletter and to stay engaged with NHTLLA throughout the year Your voice and participation are what make this organization strong.
Wishing you a productive and inspiring start to 2026.
\ Kindest Regards,
Jan Yost Executive Director
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Mike Anderson is a veteran teacher, writer, and consultant for Leading Great Learning. For fifteen years, Mike taught third, fourth, and fifth grades, first in East Lyme, CT and later in Portsmouth, NH before becoming an educational consultant. In 2020, Mike was awarded the Outstanding Educational Leader Award by NHASCD, now NHTLLA, for his work as a consultant and educator.
Jess Knowlton is the MTSS Building Coordinator at Garrison Elementary School in Dover. She holds a master’s degree in Elementary Education and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Inclusive Education. Jess spent the first twenty years of her career teaching first grade. In her role as MTSS Building Coordinator, she now supports systems and practices that ensure all students have access to
In addition to regularly writing in his blog, Mike has published a number of books. His latest publication is titled Rekindling Your Professional Fire and centers on how to find a better balance as an educator
Mike lives in Durham, New Hampshire with his wife and two children.
Learn more about Mike at his website here.
high-quality, responsive instruction across all tiers.
A lifelong learner with a deep passion for literacy, she is known for championing evidence-based reading practices; just ask her colleagues, friends, family, or even her own children’s teachers.
Jess lives in Berwick, Maine, with her husband and two young children, who share her love of reading.
NEW HAMPSHIRE LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Last week, the House of Representatives killed HB 675, the mandatory statewide school budget cap.
The House of Representatives passed the following bills on to the Senate: School District Takeover Authority: The House made an amendment to HB 121 to give the NH State Board of Education the ability to appoint an administrator to rule over a school district under certain circumstances. Advised Bullying Overhaul: This bill proposes changing the definition of bullying, creating streamlined disciplinary requirements, and imposing licensure penalties Book Ban: The House passed SB33, another process to ban books in schools
NHTLLA NEWS
NHTLLA Board Member, Dr. Michael Whaland, was named the 2026 Superintendent of the Year! by NHSAA. Dr. Whaland is Superintendent of SAU 13 which serves Freedom, Madis
The New Hampshire Teaching, Learning, and Leading Association (NHTLLA) is already hard at work planning professional learning opportunities for the 2026–27 year. Our team is thoughtfully designing events that reflect current research, amplify educator voice, and support meaningful teaching and learning across content areas.
In addition to a continued focus on literacy, upcoming professional learning will include opportunities that connect to and support high-quality math and science education. Through a mix of in-person and virtual events, NHTLLA aims to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and strengthen instructional practice statewide
More details will be shared in the months ahead—stay tuned for updates and opportunities to learn with NHTLLA!
