Boston, Massachusetts, January 30, 2026—Teach Plus Massachusetts applauds the Senate for putting their full support behind S.2855, which promotes comprehensive early literacy instruction in every commonwealth classroom. This landmark legislation delivers what Teach Plus teacher leaders have long advocated for: the evidence-based instruction, high-quality instructional materials, and preparation every student and teacher deserves. Thursday’s vote comes three months after the House of Representatives unanimously passed its own reading reform bill, H.4683.
“With both the House and Senate passing literacy bills, Massachusetts is taking a vital step toward ensuring that all students, regardless of race, language, or income, have access to excellent literacy instruction from early childhood through high school,” said Teach Plus Massachusetts Executive Director Chris Marino. “Together with our teacher leaders, Teach Plus Massachusetts is building the momentum to close persistent opportunity gaps and move closer to our shared goal: every child reading on grade level by 2030.”
“As a teacher, I am incredibly proud and energized to see that our voices were heard in shaping this policy,” said Jennifer Amento, Mashpee 6th grade teacher and Teach Plus Massachusetts Lead Senior Fellow of Advocacy who has had several literacy-themed op-eds published. “Both the House and Senate took the necessary steps to prioritize evidence-based reading instruction, representing a monumental victory for our students. For years, many of us in classrooms have advocated for the training and resources we need to effectively teach every child to read. This legislation finally ensures ALL teachers will be equipped with the proven strategies and skills to help ALL students unlock the power of literacy.”
Teach Plus and Teach Plus teacher leaders and alumni look forward to seeing the House and Senate work together before a final bill is sent to Gov. Maura Healey. The time to act is now, as nearly 60% of the state’s students in grades 3–8 are not proficient in basic reading skills, with even wider gaps for Black, Latino, multilingual, and low-income students.
Throughout the Right to Read Act’s legislative journey, Teach Plus and its Policy Fellows and alumni have been at the forefront—testifying at the Statehouse, writing commentary pieces, and partnering with the Mass Reads Coalition. Teach Plus Massachusetts remains committed to supporting educators with high-quality instruction and materials, strengthening workforce development from early childhood through 12th grade, and advocating for effective evidence-based reading policies that support student success in school and beyond.
“The passing of the literacy bill brings Massachusetts one step closer to creating a better future for every student,” said Kimmy Tremlett, Teach Plus Massachusetts Policy and Programs Manager. “As a former classroom teacher, I witnessed firsthand how special, talented, and capable our students are. If we want to reduce the opportunity gaps that systemically impact our historically marginalized students, we must ensure that all schools, educators, and students are supported with the tools to do so.”
About Teach Plus
The mission of Teach Plus is to empower excellent, experienced, and diverse teachers to take leadership over key policy and practice issues that affect their students’ success. Since 2009, Teach Plus has developed thousands of teacher leaders across the country to exercise their leadership in shaping education policy and improving teaching and learning for students.https://teachplus.org/ma/
