Greetings All, 

It is an honor to serve as your Literacy Coach for the 2023-2024 school year.  As a veteran of the United States Army, discipline, honor and integrity are instilled internally and play a major role in approaching life with intention.  This is my 17th year in education, starting in my home state, North Carolina (Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools/Cumberland County Schools), Virginia (Suffolk Public Schools), Georgia (Gwinnett and Richmond County Schools) and currently South Carolina (Aiken County Public Schools). My experience in education includes: Tutoring, Assistant Teaching, Intensive In-Home Counseling (at-risk youth), Teacher (face to face and virtual), Grade Level Team Leader, Teacher In Residence (Science), Academic/Instructional Coach, Instructional Specialist (Hephzibah High School Building Coordinator-Augusta University) and Literacy Coach.

Exposure to ESOL, Gifted, Special Education, and Regular Education populations in addition to low performing populations has equipped me with the ability to adjust to any learning environment. I am the wife of Jewels Blackmon (retired Navy Senior Chief and mother of 2 adult children (Khaliyah, Nasir). Some of my hobbies include: traveling, reading, writing poetry, motorcycle riding, horse trail riding, designing, entrepreneurship, and assisting my husband with our garden. 

My educational philosophy places an emphasis on building a positive culture centered around a nurturing learning environment to boost student achievement. I believe wholeheartedly that positive relationships among stakeholders increases sustainability and progress. In addition, it inspires students to be confident when performing at their personal best. Communication among all stakeholders exudes hope and pushes us a step forward when navigating the roads to greater student outcomes as we continue upholding the mission and vision of our district. When approaching any academic challenge, the solution should be centered around  “we”: the district, students, staff, parents and the entire community. Educating the whole child is a must! I look forward to being a visionary and an active component of change while advocating for practices that are best for teachers and students. 

"Through all things, learn from and grow!" 

Yashica Blackmon M.Ed