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Advancing Literacy through Leadership and Lessons from the Field 
 

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Consultant Services 

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At Sunday Literacy, Dr. Sarah Holbrook brings more than twenty years of experience as a teacher, literacy specialist, and district administrator to schools seeking real, sustainable improvement in reading outcomes. With a career spanning special education, K–12 literacy leadership, curriculum design, and large-scale instructional reform, Sarah has supported educators at every level in building the knowledge and systems necessary for strong, evidence-based literacy instruction.

 

Dr. Holbrook is a Fellow at the SUNY New Paltz Science of Reading Center, where she helps design and deliver research-aligned professional learning for educators across New York State. Her work blends deep expertise in the science of reading with practical, hands-on implementation experience—helping schools move from theory to practice with clarity, confidence, and lasting impact.

Sunday Literacy offers consulting services designed to empower educators, strengthen instructional systems, and elevate the quality of literacy teaching across schools and districts.

Sundays with Sarah

Sundays with Sarah 

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How Sundays with Sarah Began 

Sundays with Sarah began on a quiet Sunday afternoon—the kind that used to feel heavy, filled with the “Sunday scaries,” and the weight of a new week ahead. For years, Sundays were hard for me, a mix of reflection and worry about all that needed to be done. But one day, I realized that Sundays could be something different: a space for clarity instead of overwhelm, for inspiration instead of anxiety, for purpose instead of pressure. That’s where the idea was born. I wanted to create a place where educators could gather each week to learn, reflect, and feel supported—a place where literacy, leadership, and lessons from the field come together with honesty and hope. Sundays with Sarah is designed to uplift, to ground, and to remind us that we’re not alone in this work.
Join us every Sunday—where small steps spark big change.

From Workshops to Classrooms
Join Sarah on her journeys to make every student a reader

Follow Sarah as she embarks on journeys throughout the country to explore evidence-based strategies for teaching reading, attending workshops, and learning from experts in the field. Along the way, she will share her insights, discoveries, and practical tips for educators to use in their classrooms. Her goal is to inspire a love for teaching reading in all teachers—ultimately aiming for every student to become a confident reader.

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Dec 2025

I’m honored to announce a new partnership between Sunday Literacy and Reading the World as we expand our literacy work across communities in Africa. Beginning this winter and continuing into the new year, this collaboration will support teachers, librarians, and local leaders with evidence-based reading instruction grounded in the science of reading.

Together, we will provide professional learning, culturally responsive materials, and on-the-ground support to help strengthen early reading instruction in village schools. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to educational equity—ensuring that every child, no matter where they live, has access to high-quality literacy instruction and the opportunity to become a confident reader.

We’re deeply grateful for the chance to learn from local communities and contribute to sustainable, long-term literacy growth.

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Dec 2025

I’m excited to share a new collaborative partnership between Capital Region BOCES and the Science of Reading Center at SUNY New Paltz, launching this winter and continuing into the new year. This partnership brings together regional expertise, university research, and classroom-based best practices to support districts in strengthening evidence-based literacy instruction.

Through joint professional learning, leadership development, and hands-on educator support, this collaboration will help schools deepen their understanding of the science of reading and implement high-quality instructional practices that truly move student learning forward.

We’re looking forward to the meaningful impact this partnership will have across the Capital Region and beyond. 

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March 2025

I had the opportunity to present my research: Bridging the Gap: Creating Scientifically Based Tier 1 Reading Instruction at the CEC conference this year. And I got to meet Holly Lane. 

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May 2025

KCSD teachers collaborated with the Science of Reading Center at SUNY New Paltz to reflect on how evidence-based practices have transformed their instruction. Through this partnership, educators are sharing powerful stories of how the Science of Reading has deepened their understanding of literacy and positively impacted student outcomes in their classrooms.

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Poughkeepsie, NY March 2025

I had the chance to speak with my colleagues at the Curriculum Associates meeting about the changes we are making in our middle schools to improve the reading abilities of our older students. 

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Chicago, IL April 2025

The Reading League Summit was an inspiring and energizing experience—bringing together educators, researchers, and leaders who are passionate about evidence-based reading instruction. It was a powerful opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, share ideas, and learn from one another. Leaving the summit, I felt more hopeful and more equipped than ever to continue this important work.

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Yonkers, Summer 2025

I’m excited to be part of the work happening at the Science of Reading Center at SUNY New Paltz and to launch a new partnership with the Yonkers School District. This summer, we launch our first in-person session focused on foundational reading skills—an essential starting point for building skilled, confident readers. I deeply believe that lasting change comes through ongoing, high-quality professional development, and I’m grateful to collaborate with educators and leaders who are committed to aligning instruction with the science. Together, we’re taking meaningful steps toward ensuring all students receive the evidence-based literacy instruction they deserve.

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