Liza Kostreva is a Senior Program Director at DFI. In her role, she leads long-term partnerships with educator-preparation programs and collaborates with program leaders and faculty to ensure that coursework, syllabi, and practicum experiences for aspiring teachers adhere to an evidence-based approach to reading instruction. She is committed to ensuring that all teachers are equipped to deliver effective reading instruction, so all students have access access to the high-quality teaching necessary for reading proficiency.
Liza has deep expertise in evidence-based literacy instruction and a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Johns Hopkins University. Prior to joining DFI, she has served in leadership roles supporting state and district-level initiatives to shift instructional practices and policies to align with a structured literacy approach. Liza began her career in education as an elementary school teacher in New Orleans. Her experience includes coaching educators and leaders, and designing professional learning experiences to drive meaningful and sustainable change in approaches to literacy instruction across districts and states. Liza is also an Adjunct Professor at Reach University and teaches undergraduate courses in literacy to aspiring teachers.
Liza currently lives in Running Springs, California with her husband.
Describe a teacher or student who made a lasting impact in your life.
Growing up, I had the same piano teacher for 15 years, and she was a true model of teaching excellence. She challenged me and set very high expectations for my progress, while also providing the care and support I needed to achieve my goals. She was encouraging, patient, and taught me strategies to break down complex sections of the pieces I was learning into more manageable parts. She created a safe and positive learning environment that led me to take risks and step outside my comfort zone. Through her endless kindness, I always knew she cared about me as a person, and I will be forever grateful for her influence on my understanding of excellent teaching.
What’s a piece of advice you’d give to aspiring or new teachers?
Always be a learner and ask for help when you need it! Being a teacher is on of the most challenging jobs, especially when everything is brand new. Seek out support from colleagues and mentors, and learn as much as you can from the experts around you. Find opportunities to see excellent teaching in action and adopt effective practices and strategies from others.
What's a local place or activity you would want DFI colleagues and/or program partners to experience if they came to your town?
I would love for my DFI colleagues and program partners to experience the beauty of the Southern California mountains where I live, including scenic hiking, skiing, snow boarding or sledding.
Contact me to... learn more about supporting educator-preparation programs with aligning candidate experiences to evidence-based literacy practices.