Designing for Impact: Building Knowledge, Access, and Equity

This episode of the Literacy and Justice for All podcast takes listeners inside the work of the Rollins Center and Cox Campus through a conversation with instructional designers Salley Edwards and Makini Coleman. The discussion explores how research-driven, peer-reviewed professional learning content is created to support educators, coaches, caregivers, and education leaders nationwide, with a shared mission of eradicating illiteracy and advancing equity.About our GuestsMakini Coleman, Ed.S., is a seasoned educator and literacy specialist with over two decades of experience in early childhood and elementary education. She began her career teaching Kindergarten and first grade for seven years, followed by six years as a reading instructional coach, where she supported teachers in implementing effective literacy practices.For the past ten years, Makini has worked at the Rollins Center for Language & Literacy, where she has helped educators and coaches deepen their knowledge of language and literacy to improve student outcomes. In her current role as Content Developer/Instructional Designer, she designs impactful instructional resources and engaging online courses for Cox Campus, a free, online learning platform dedicated to advancing equity through literacy.Makini’s professional passions include early childhood education, elementary literacy, and instructional coaching. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her family and friends.Salley King Edwards is a literacy specialist with 25 years of experience working with children and adult learners, from preschool through high school. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of roles, including classroom teacher, interventionist, instructional coach, MTSS coordinator, and district literacy coach.Salley began her work with the Rollins Center for Language and Literacy 12 years ago as a member of the field team and later partnered with Rollins through the Crisp County School District, supporting educators in implementing evidence-based, language and literacy-rich instructional practices.She currently serves as a Content Developer and Instructional Designer with Rollins, collaborating with subject matter experts to translate research into practice by writing courses and creating content for Cox Campus—a free, IDA-accredited online learning platform dedicated to advancing equity through literacy.Salley is the mother of three and enjoys baking, gardening, and reading. She is also the author of the Brilliance of Babies board book serieshttp://www.coxcampus.org