Andrea Flucas is a Senior Program Manager at DFI. In her role, she works closely with EPPs to support teacher preparation in advancing evidence-based reading instruction. Andrea supports the Early Literacy by Scientific Design Network (ELbSD) and the Texas Early Literacy Network (TEL) in redesigning coursework to strengthen literacy instruction and ensure future teachers are prepared to plan and enact lessons grounded in the best scientific understanding of how students learn to read.
Prior to joining the DFI team, Andrea served as a district intervention and dyslexia coordinator for a large public charter school system in Houston, TX. Andrea developed a love for literacy education as an elementary classroom teacher, Literacy Interventionist, New Teacher Mentor, Literacy Instructional Coach, and a curriculum writer for public school districts in the Houston Metroplex. Her previous experience in classrooms and school leadership allows her to continue her passion for literacy education at DFI as she partners with education preparation programs to support future educators.
In her spare time, Andrea enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending concerts, traveling, and cuddling up with a good book.
Describe a teacher or student who made a lasting impact in your life.
A teacher who made a lasting impact in my life was not found in the classroom but in the pages of a book. During my first year of teaching, I read a book to my students entitled Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco. This is a story about a young girl who struggled with reading due to dyslexia and her teacher who would not let her fail. The teacher in the story, Mr. Falker, was a teacher who believed in his students’ ability to learn, differentiated instruction to meet their needs, built their confidence, made learning fun and created a nurturing and safe learning environment. Mr. Falker became the blueprint for the teacher that I aspired to be. Ultimately, Mr. Falker impacted the trajectory of my educational career and led me to become an advocate for literacy education for all students.
What’s a piece of advice you’d give to aspiring or new teachers?
Teaching is one of the most challenging yet most rewarding jobs you will ever do. My advice to aspiring and new teachers is to give yourself grace and celebrate the wins; no matter how small. You won’t get everything right your first year (or even your second year) and that is okay! Be patient with yourself, lean on your support network, and stay committed to learning and growing. Celebrate each victory, because those moments (big and small) are what fuel your journey and shape you into the teacher your students will never forget.
What's a local place or activity you would want DFI colleagues and/or program partners to experience if they came to your town?
If colleagues or partners came to Houston, I would encourage them to experience the city’s robust and amazing food scene. Houston is home to an incredibly multicultural population which is reflected in the wide variety of restaurants and cuisines you can find here. It is a great opportunity to get curious, try something new, and explore foods and cultures you may not otherwise have the chance to experience.