Honoring the Roots: How Dr. Anita ARcher & Explicit Instruction Shaped my Path

Honoring the Roots: How Dr. Anita Archer & Explicit Instruction Shaped My Path
Every educator has a defining moment or mentor who lights the way. For me, that person is Dr. Anita Archer.

I first encountered her work as a “baby teacher,” full of curiosity and a deep desire to help struggling readers. What I didn’t yet have were the tools to turn that passion into consistent, high‑quality instruction.

Then I discovered Explicit Instruction, and everything changed.

Before meeting Dr. Archer in person, I was already applying her strategies in my classroom. Her work reshaped how I taught, how I planned, and most importantly, how I reached students who needed it most.

Years later, I had the incredible honor of meeting Dr. Archer while presenting at the National Direct Instruction Conference in Eugene, Oregon. Standing alongside someone whose work had already transformed my teaching was surreal—a full‑circle moment years in the making.

Most recently, I attended her Trainer Academy (June 16–20), sitting in a room surrounded by passionate educators and learning directly from one of my greatest professional heroes. That experience reignited my commitment to this work.

What Is Explicit Instruction?

Explicit Instruction, as developed by Dr. Anita Archer and Dr. Charles Hughes, is clear, direct, and structured. It emphasizes:

• Breaking down complex skills into manageable steps
• Modeling and guided practice
• Active student participation
• Immediate feedback and correction
• Consistent review and scaffolded support

It’s not flashy or trendy. But—in classrooms across Wyoming and beyond—it’s changing lives, one carefully planned lesson at a time.

Why Explicit Instruction Still Matters

In a time when new platforms and programs come and go, Explicit Instruction remains a steady foundation for effective teaching. It aligns perfectly with the Science of Reading, supports diverse learners, and—most importantly—helps teachers feel confident, effective, and in control of their classrooms.

“Explicit Instruction helps students learn, retain, and retrieve critical knowledge.” —Dr. Anita Archer

This clarity doesn’t just build skills—it builds lasting success across all content areas.

And here’s what’s key:

• You don’t have to abandon your curriculum.
• You can enhance it—by sharpening delivery, increasing engagement, and adding consistency to instruction.

What This Means for Wyoming Schools

At Instructional Intensity Inc, our work is grounded in evidence‑based practices like Explicit Instruction. Whether you’re using a structured literacy program, crafting your own scope and sequence, or somewhere in between, we support you in:

• Applying Dr. Archer’s principles in your school context
• Boosting engagement through active participation techniques
• Scaffolding and differentiating instruction with clarity
• Building teacher confidence through coaching, modeling, and collaboration

We’re not about programs—we’re about people. The educators we serve are capable of incredible growth when given the right tools and support.

A Personal Thank You

Dr. Archer often says, “Teach with the end in mind.” That message has stayed with me through every school visit, planning session, and coaching moment alongside teachers working to support student success.

This work—the real work!—started because of her. I’m honored to continue it in partnership with educators across Wyoming and beyond who are making a difference every day.

Ready to Strengthen Instruction?

If your school or district is looking to enhance your curriculum with the power of Explicit Instruction, we’d love to connect.

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