Meet the team
Get reading. Keep reading. Change everything.
Ruth Miskin is one of the UK’s leading authorities on teaching children to read. She has many years' experience as a head teacher, teacher trainer and consultant in phonics and literacy, working with primary and secondary schools throughout the UK.
Her time as a Headteacher in Tower Hamlets convinced her that when Headteachers put reading at the heart of their schools they change everything. Their children learn to read quickly, get the reading habit early, learn to love reading and are successful at school.
Ruth has been an adviser to the government on many aspects of literacy teaching since 1997, from the early stages of the National Literacy Strategy to the Rose Review into the teaching of reading, the National Curriculum Review Committee and Lord Bew’s SATs Review Committee and the ITT Review.
Her work has been featured both by Newsnight on BBC2 and Dispatches on Channel 4.
Ruth was awarded an OBE for services to Education in 2011 and a CBE in 2019 for services to reading.
Mel began her teaching career over twenty years ago as a Reception teacher in Tower Hamlets. She worked closely with Ruth during the development of Read Write Inc. Phonics and now runs the organisation from our office in London.
Together, Ruth and Mel drive the mission - teach every child to read. No excuses.
Her most memorable teaching moment? ‘Reading So Much by Trish Cooke to my first Reception class – a wonderful, lyrical story. They were spell-bound and all clapped loudly at the end. I knew I wanted every child to be able to read and love reading – to engage emotionally with stories’.
Davina has been teaching for 35 years and was awarded Primary Teacher of the Year 2001. Prior to working for Ruth Miskin, Davina worked as a Primary Literacy Consultant for Leicestershire, having spent several years as an Advanced Skills Teacher specialising in literacy and teaching and learning strategies.
Davina joined the Ruth Miskin team as a trainer in 2007 and became Head of Training in June 2011. She is now Assistant Director.
Ceri was an experienced and passionate Read Write Inc. teacher and reading leader. Her teaching was graded outstanding by Estyn. She taught Read Write Inc. throughout her career, modelling lessons and training staff. Having jointly led a school in Monmouthshire to model school status, she then led the implementation of the Read Write Inc. programme in a school in Caerphilly with great success, before becoming a full-time trainer. She now works on developing training and training trainers.
Nina works in the London head office at 7 Sandy's Row as Head of Operations. She runs the organisation on a day-to-day basis and keeps our beautiful building functioning. With knowledge of all Ruth Miskin training, Nina can advise schools and individuals on their training needs. She helps LAs, school groups and academy chains arrange a joined up approach to RWI training and support.
Richard works in the London head office as the Lead Software Engineer. Managing the Technology Team, Richard is responsible for developing and maintaining the online and internal systems and ensuring things are running smoothly.
Previously a Consultant Trainer, Elly now coaches trainers, teachers and parents on activities in preparation for filming.
She works closely with the Training development team to plan and create video resources for trainings and the School Portal, and works with schools to make video case-studies and clips for our website and social media pages.
Elly was a secondary school English Teacher and primary school teacher in East London prior to joining the Ruth Miskin Training team.
Her most memorable teaching moment- ‘listening to the lively discussion from my Year 8 class at the revelation of the central divide between the noughts and crosses in Malorie Blackman’s novel. 30 students empowered to re-examine their history and its impact on the society in which they live- the power of books to leverage change.
Gabriel works in the London head office at 7 Sandy's Row as the Project Coordinator. He prepares copy for marketing campaigns, organises Free Events and liaises with other members of the team to provide content for the website and newsletter.
Maja works in the London head office at 7 Sandy's Row as our Regional Training Coordinator. She arranges training in venues across England and Wales for individuals and small groups. With knowledge of all Ruth Miskin training, Maja can advise schools and individuals on their training needs.
Vivian works in the London head office at 7 Sandy's Row as Training Ops Manager, leading the team of Training Coordinators. Viv also books in-school and regional training, and is the first port of call for any school that contacts the office. With knowledge of all Ruth Miskin training, she can advise schools and individuals on their training needs.
Vivek works in the London head office on our Technology team as Lead Software Engineer. He is responsible for developing and maintaining our online and internal systems, websites and technologies.
Reading Leader and Year 2 Teacher
Watching children at my inner-city school as they saw their new library for the first time. One boy said 'It's like a dream!' Many of them didn't have any books at home and the school had never had a proper library.
Always believe in yourself and never give up. There is always a way.
Reading Leader and Literacy Coordinator
The first time my Reception class heard the story of 'The Snowman' – they were stunned into silence at the end and then burst into a spontaneous round of applause.
Enthusiasm is contagious.
Reading Leader, KS1 Leader and Deputy Headteacher
I love demonstrating activities with the delegates with them in role as the children and supporting teachers on Development Days; teaching real 'live' children in schools.
In my NQT year a headteacher said to me 'children only get one chance'. They do.
Reading Leader and EYFS Leader
A mum crying when she heard her 4 year old son read his first decodable storybook. She was a non-reader. The moment fuelled my passion for getting ALL children reading.
Deeply care about EVERY child and NEVER give up on them. There is always a way, you just have to find it.
Reading Leader and EYFS Leader
A little girl in Reception had a fear of putting pencil to paper and would get upset. Each day I would invite her to the writing table and encourage her to have a go, and one day she did! There was no stopping her. I will never forget how happy she looked that day.
Always be reflective and part of the solution.
Acting Headteacher
My most memorable teaching moment was when I received a National Teaching Award for Outstanding New Teacher during my NQT year.
I love the buzz and excitement at the end of training when delegates cannot wait to get back to school to practise before teaching Read Write Inc. to their children.
English Teacher
Sharing my passion for literature and the power of words when we talk about the importance of daily storytime for all children.
Never underestimate the power of reading to children, regardless of their age. Everyone loves a story if it's told with feeling and enthusiasm. If we love reading, so will they.
Headteacher
Colin, an enthusiastic Year 1 boy, had yet to learn Set 1 Sounds. The rest of the class were learning Set 2 and 3 and he was beginning to get disaffected. I introduced Read Write Inc. Phonics and Colin was taught to read at the appropriate level daily. He was reading Set 1 Sounds and blending within a few weeks. One happy Colin!
Persevere and find a solution. There is always a way of reaching every child.
Leader of Core Learning and Year 5 Teacher
A wonderful little girl I was working with one-to-one to learn her initial sounds. She absolutely loved everything. 'I love flowers. I love towers. I love mountains - not as much as flowers. I love flowers. And towers.' What a star!
Practise, practise, practise!
Reading Leader
The Development Days – I love working with the children, especially the 'oh, I get it' moments. Priceless.
Be a magpie! Some of my best lessons have been based around ideas I have 'borrowed' from other teachers' great practice.
Reading Leader and Literacy Coordinator
Years ago I set up a small unit for students who had been permanently excluded from school. When deciding upon a name for the facility one student suggested 'Chances'. When asked why she said that it was because I had given her another chance with her education.
Be a 'charismatic hero' to your pupils. Be the person they remember and cross the street to speak to in years to come.
Assistant Headteacher, Literacy Coordinator and Reading Leader
Showing delegates how we read our storybook for the third time and how we think out loud as we read.
Be prepared, be focused, listen to your children, and know you can help each one grow and learn. Stay passionate and never give up.
Assistant Headteacher and Reading Leader
Teaching a Year 1 child, with no previous school experience, to read. Witnessing her become a fluent reader one year later was a joy.
Invest in developing relationships – with your knowledge, your colleagues, your community and above all your children. All will bring the biggest return.
KS1 Leader, Deputy Headteacher, Reading Leader and SENCO
Seeing the transformation in a child from disengaged to motivated and inquisitive once they can read.
Be reflective, flexible, and responsive.
Reading Leader
The day one little boy in Year 3 stood up in assembly and read to the whole school. He had previously been a reluctant reader and struggled to keep up with his peers. After individual tuition every day and lots of encouragement, he finally cracked it! I can hear the pride on his voice and it still makes me cry to think about it.
Never give up on a child; be the one that makes the difference.
Teacher
Development Days are my favourite part of the job – building strong relationships with schools, staff, and children. I love that when I return, the SLT want to show off the progress, staff are beaming with confidence, and children are proud of their reading. It's the journey of working together, believing that we can all achieve the goal of getting every child to read.
Enthusiasm is infectious. Children love what you love.
Reading Leader and Year 1 and Reception Teacher
In role as class teacher with the delegates as my children – I love 'performing'.
We're all always learning – you won't always get it right first time.
Reading Leader and Year 1 Teacher
Seeing a child in Year 6, who had previously lacked confidence in reading, excitedly running towards me with a book. I’ll never forget the pride on her face as she said ‘I CAN read’.
Development Days – working with staff and children to get every child reading and loving it. Returning to a school to see the progress made is so rewarding.
Teacher
Sharing my passion for EVERY child learning to read and knowing that I have an impact on so many children's reading journeys.
Never stop learning.
Deputy Headteacher
When teachers understand the importance of both accuracy and fluency when children are learning to read.
Narrate the positive.
Reading Leader and EYFS Leader
A Year 2 pupil had written a thank you card at the end of the school year. He thanked me for being able to answer every question he had asked.
Never assume, explain everything.
Reading Leader and Year 1 Teacher
Building sentences orally with children – it's such a collaborative way of teaching writing at all stages.
Have fun – if you don't then the children won't either.
Reading Leader
Building sentences before writing – I love the interaction with the delegates and some of the ideas they propose.
Build a relationship with every child.
Reading Leader
Watching the delegates gain confidence throughout the day so they all leave ready to teach their children to read and write.
Stay positive, reflective, and love what you do.
Acting Headteacher
When teaching poetry to a class in role, one child said that although my outer persona was a ferocious lion, inside was a calm and nurturing soul. The power of poetry and understanding character!
Igniting the excitement in teaching – showing teachers that they can be themselves and make a difference.
Deputy Headteacher and SENCO
Seeing the delegates' enthusiasm to stand up and practise teaching reading straight away.
Make storytime the best part of the school day to develop a real love of reading.
Reading Leader
When people start to nod and really 'get it'. You see delegates start to get excited as they appreciate how much the programme will help their children learn to read and write.
Smile and engage with the children.
Reading Leader and Year 1 and 2 Teacher
The opportunity to become part of a school and embark on the reading journey with them. I love returning to a school to see the enormous amount of dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work that has been put in to ensure every child learns to read.
Never give up and never be afraid to ask for help.
Assistant Headteacher
The precious moment when delegates leave the training room feeling empowered and able to get every child reading.
Engage children before you teach them so that they are listening to every word you say.
KS2 Leader
When we discuss the power of teaching children individually for ten minutes a day to ensure no child slips through the net.
Be reflective and adaptable. Had a great lesson? What made it successful? Lesson not so great? Think about why and how you will adapt to improve it next time.
Reading Leader and SENCO
Empowering staff to teach children to read.
Never give up, there is always a way for a child to make progress regardless of perceived barriers to progress.
Reading Leader and Assistant Headteacher
In my first year, I was a Reception teacher. A shy boy joined my class who found it hard to blend. I worked with him every day until he could blend independently and, by the end of the year, he was reading storybooks which matched the sounds he knew. He gained confidence and loved being part of our class. I learnt how I could make a positive impact on children's lives.
I love demonstrating activities in the training. It gives teachers a real sense of what it's like to be in the lessons and know how children in their classroom might feel.
Teacher
When I was a teacher, every day during my lunch hour, I worked with a Year 2 boy in a desperate attempt to teach him to read. I didn't have a system. I was failing him and he felt like a failure. It was heartbreaking. Following Read Write Inc. training, I changed everything for him quickly and he learnt to read. If I bump into his mum now, she always tells me that he will never forget me.
Year 4 Teacher
I really enjoy working with children in the one-to-one coaching sessions. It is so wonderful to see the progress children can make in such a short space of time.
Constantly strive to do better, because every child deserves your best effort.
Reading Leader
Teaching one particular child to blend a word for the first time, I'll never forget the pride on the child's face.
Do your absolute best and have fun doing it.
Teacher
One child I worked with in Year 3 was unable to read. Thanks to Read Write Inc. Phonics, he started to learn and changed from being worried and anxious to confident and happy. On my last day at school he said goodbye and I thought he had gone home. Five minutes later he came running back with tears in his eyes and gave me the biggest hug.
Reading Leader and Year 1 Teacher
Showing headteachers, teachers and teaching assistants HOW we teach our programme. I love demonstrating the lessons, then explaining the teaching steps before the delegates ‘have a go’ and practise the steps. The best way to learn is by doing!
Always be clear about the teaching purpose.
Reading Leader and Teacher
When you see the delegates suddenly understanding what we are about – teaching every child to read.
Children take more notice if you lower the sound of your voice.
Reading Leader
Exploring the complexities of the English alphabetic code and how we make it easy for children.
Whatever you are teaching – if you love it, the children will love it too.
Early Years Coordinator
Working with a family new to the country and seeing the journey their first-born child made during her Reception year.
On Day 1 of training, delegates teach a phonic lesson to their partners with confidence. It's great to see them smiling and teaching reading with knowledge and passion. When they get back to school even more children will get out of the reading gate early.
Jodie works in the London head office at 7 Sandy's Row as the Facilities Assistant. She assists with and prepares for all events and regional trainings which take place at our London training facilities.
EYFS Leader and Literacy Consultant
I love the quote by Jeanette Winterson – 'Teach a child to read and keep that child reading and we will change everything. And I mean everything.' It explains why we do what we do and won't ever give up. When delegates get that, it really makes a difference to their commitment.
There is enjoyment to be found in teaching children. If you can't find any then you are probably in the wrong career!
Shona has worked closely with Ruth for many years as the company has continued to evolve and grow. Prior to working for RMT, Shona worked with the Read Write Inc. programme at Oxford University Press. She now manages our HR, keeping all staff happy and well supported in their roles.
Teacher
Teaching delegates the 'squiggles' we use to show what it's like for a child learning to read sounds. We then teach a speed sound lesson showing how to engage children learning sounds for the first time – so powerful.
Remember that every child is someone's world.
Reading Leader and Deputy Headteacher
Working with schools to ensure that every child learns to read – no excuses.
Know your children and show them that you love teaching them.
Reading Leader and Literacy Coordinator
Recently, a Y7 pupil thanked me for teaching him to spell and explained how hard it used to be for him. Such a polite young person and a humbling experience.
I love training on the reading activities. It is powerful to discuss the importance of children developing reading fluency before they can focus on comprehending what they read. For many people this has been a real light bulb moment – they often say it will affect how they will teach reading in the future.
Reading Leader and Year 1 Teacher
When I stand back to observe the practice in the room, everyone is up on their feet, engaged in teaching each other and I think to myself – the children in this school are in good hands, we're making a difference.
Don't take yourself too seriously.
Eva manages MyBookBlog - our online resource that supports and enhances children’s journeys through well-loved stories. She creates the MyBookBlog content and activities that encourage children to blog about their thoughts and explore the subject matter surrounding fantastic books. She also creates content for the MyBookBlog newsletter and social media channels.
Acting Deputy Headteacher and KS1 and EYFS Leader
Teaching a father to read so that he could support his sons in their reading journey.
Love what you do and be patient, enthusiastic and kind.
Reading Leader
Where things begin to click for the slowest progress readers, whether finally beginning to remember sounds, blend orally or read a word independently, it’s a wonderful moment.
If you love it, the children will love it. Show passion for a subject and keep the children’s interest and they will thrive.
EYFS Teacher
Teaching a child who was selectively mute when joining my class in September and only spoke in a whisper to one key adult. He left my reception class not only feeling confident to speak in front of the entire cohort of 90 children, but also as a reader and writer.
Put children at the heart of everything you do.
Christina works in the London head office on our Technology team as a Graduate Software Engineer. She is responsible for developing and maintaining our online and internal systems, websites and technologies.
Colleen is committed to every child learning to read and loving it – despite background, language, or need.
With over a decade of teaching and leadership experience, Colleen began her career as a first grade teacher in Saint Louis, MO. Teach For America recognised her classroom’s significant academic progress as a national Sue Lehmann Award finalist. After, she continued serving in Brooklyn, NY as a teacher and Dean of School Culture.
In the United Kingdom, Colleen led as Assistant Principal at an Ofsted-Rated Outstanding charter school before joining Ruth Miskin Training as a Consultant Trainer. Now, in New York City, she is the Head of Training America at Ruth Miskin Literacy Inc.
Ned works in the London head office on our Technology team as a Graduate Software Engineer. He is responsible for developing and maintaining our online and internal systems, websites and technologies.
Richard works in the London head office at 7 Sandy's Row as the Marketing and Communications Officer. He works alongside Isla, creating content for our social media channels, website content and taking the lead on our communications strategy.
Reading Leader
Roleplaying the teaching. Practising in role really helps teachers get to grips with the programme before they get back in their classrooms.
Model, model, model. Show children what is expected of them; set them up for success from the start.
Sarah works in the London head office at 7 Sandy's Row as a Training Coordinator. She arranges in-school training for international schools across the globe and is the first port of call for any school that contacts the office. With knowledge of all Ruth Miskin training, Sarah can advise schools and individuals on their training needs.
Sheena works in the London head office at 7 Sandy's Row as a Training Coordinator. She arranges in-school training for UK schools and is the first port of call for any school that contacts the office. With knowledge of all Ruth Miskin training, Sheena can advise schools and individuals on their training needs.
KS1 Year Leader / Reading Leader for an international school in the UAE.
The in-depth detail of each area. Nothing is missed, every single step is important.
Never forget the difference you can make to your children’s lives every day.
Thomas works in the London head office at 7 Sandy's Row as a Regional Training Coordinator. He arranges training in venues across England and Wales for individuals and small groups. With knowledge of all Ruth Miskin training, Thomas can advise schools and individuals on their training needs.
Teacher and Reading Leader
Speed Sounds. It’s so important that every child learns to blend as quickly as possible.
Pause, breathe, and smile!
Year One Teacher and Reading Leader
Demonstrating the storybook activities to the teachers. Delegates get to experience what it’s like for a child and teacher to delve deep into the book through drama and discussion.
In my first Reception class, a boy who had been struggling to blend had his ‘lightbulb moment’ when it all clicked and he was able to read the whole page! He was so proud of himself.
Consultant Trainer and Team Leader
Storytime: promoting emotional engagement and enthusiasm to ensure children learn to love books.
A simple, kind word, or a smile, means everything to a child.
Reading Leader and KS1 Leader
Teaching a whole Speed Sound lesson. It's the first time the delegates see a lesson all the way through. Teachers love seeing the teaching steps come to life. At break, people often say to me 'I can see what you were like as a teacher!' For me, it's a really important part of the training.
Believe in your children. Have high expectations of what they CAN do. Never believe they cannot do something. As soon as you think that, you've limited them.
Ruth Miskin is one of the UK’s leading authorities on teaching children to read. She has many years' experience as a head teacher, teacher trainer and consultant in phonics and literacy, working with primary and secondary schools throughout the UK.
Her time as a Headteacher in Tower Hamlets convinced her that when Headteachers put reading at the heart of their schools they change everything. Their children learn to read quickly, get the reading habit early, learn to love reading and are successful at school.
Ruth has been an adviser to the government on many aspects of literacy teaching since 1997, from the early stages of the National Literacy Strategy to the Rose Review into the teaching of reading, the National Curriculum Review Committee and Lord Bew’s SATs Review Committee and the ITT Review.
Her work has been featured both by Newsnight on BBC2 and Dispatches on Channel 4.
Ruth was awarded an OBE for services to Education in 2011 and a CBE in 2019 for services to reading.
Ruth Miskin
Mel Erwin
Davina Owen
Ceri Brinkworth
Colleen Somich
Rhian Phillips
Sinead Belcher
Sue Boshell
Ian Bristo
Ruth Broadhead
Nick Cannon
Gareth Carlson-James
Jo Chadwick
Emma Chambers
Natalie Clayton
Natasha Cox
Jilly Crawford
Louise Crowther
Ashlin Crutchlow
Paul Daglish
Heidi Darby
Samantha Dholakia
Anna Ellwood
Amanda Fawcett
Claire Finkel
Keely Fowkes
Lynn Fox
Ruth Gyles-Brown
Laura Hanslip
Helen Harris
Amy Hayter
Becky Hemsley
Rachel Houldsworth
Rosie Instone
Sarah Johnson
Sarah Jones
Angela Jukes
Sarabjit Kaur
Beck King
Gaenor Kirkby
Katie Lillis
Nick Locke
Sally Lord
Rebecca Loza
Kirsten Mackie
Pauline Maher
Rosie Manning
Laura Marr
Sarah Pennick
Tiffany Prime
Sara Rice-Oxley
Arlene Rodrigues-Naim
Jennifer Rolnick
Ann Marie Rutter
Kelly Sallis
Leah Sanders
Elly Taylor
Cal Tobin
Matt Trahair
Debbie Wilson
Nina Coglin
Vivian Meza
Maja Marimla
Sarah Richards
Shona Gleave
Sheena Siddiqui
Richard Hartley
Thomas Clayton
Vivek Santhirababu
Christina Tang
Ned Lloyd
Richard Lewis
Gabriel Cramer
Eva Boehm
Jodie Leary
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Get reading. Keep reading. Change everything.