Sara Gonzalez Flechas
Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
Literacy Coach, Literacy Center LATAM

How did you begin your career, and what led you to your current position?

My career began when I decided to study philology and languages with an emphasis on English. It has been a long journey since my first contact with the language. I started teaching even before graduating, feeling as though I was born for it. Two years after completing my degree, I began my master’s program in linguistics, focusing on bilingualism. Soon after, I was offered an opportunity to work as an educational consultant for a British publishing house. There, I learned a great deal about sales, product positioning, and how to identify and understand client needs for schools, universities, and language centers.

One of my key responsibilities was delivering training workshops, which led me to become a teacher trainer. I regularly participated in conferences and conducted workshops at various institutions. In my last year with the publishing house, I worked on the education catalog for bilingual schools. After five years, I decided to return to a more academic role, becoming a mentor teacher at the British Council. During this time, I worked with six public schools transitioning to bilingualism, which was an enriching experience as I collaborated closely with teachers through observations and mentorship.

Amid this process, I received an offer from Scholastic. Although my previous teaching and consulting experiences were fundamental to my growth, my time at Scholastic shifted my perspective. Being exposed to authentic literature, reading programs, and digital platforms expanded my understanding of language teaching and learning.

Having a fully bilingual husband who learned English in an international school, and working at Scholastic where I visited schools in Colombia and Ecuador, made me realize that English education needed a new approach. My husband shared the same sentiment. In 2016, he and one of our close friends cofounded GL Education, a company whose mission is “Leading the Second Wave (of Bilingualism) and Academic Innovation.” We introduced innovative literacy-based trends to schools using traditional methods to teach English to children. Our goal was to close the gap by providing all students with the opportunity to learn English using a methodology that truly works, with high-quality materials and well-trained teachers.

This brings me to my current role as national academic director and literacy coach for the Literacy Center. Building on the work we had been doing directly with schools and various institutions in Colombia, we expanded our mission to reach individuals who have not had the opportunity to study in international schools. In 2023, we took a significant step by opening our Literacy Center to the general population outside the traditional schooling system in Pereira. In this role, I am responsible for developing the curriculum that guides our courses, staying informed about the latest advancements in the science of reading, and integrating effective phonics, reading, and writing instruction.

Our center now serves students ranging from ages 4 to 65+, with more than 100 learners currently enrolled. Additionally, we continue to collaborate with schools and institutions, sharing our center’s philosophy and passion for literacy education to foster a wider impact.

What is the biggest challenge in your current role?

Literacy as a structured methodology is still relatively new in Colombia and introducing it has been a considerable challenge. Our team has been working tirelessly to bring this approach to the forefront of English education. However, the transition is tough, particularly because the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) remains the predominant standard for assessing language proficiency. While the CEFR serves its purpose, shifting the conversation toward more modern literacy concepts—such as Lexile levels, vocabulary tiers, and other measures that focus on reading comprehension and language development—has been difficult. Many educators and institutions are unfamiliar with these frameworks, making it an uphill battle to integrate them into the educational landscape.

Another significant challenge I've encountered is the hiring and retraining of teachers. Most educators in Colombia are trained in traditional methods, where language is taught as a separate skill with a strong focus on grammar. This compartmentalized approach often ignores the interconnected nature of language acquisition. In fact, our entire team, including myself, had to undergo a process of unlearning and relearning how to teach English through a literacy-based lens. This is particularly difficult because literacy as a comprehensive, skills-based teaching method is not included in university curricula for teacher education here. As a result, many teachers enter the workforce with a deep theoretical knowledge of grammar, but they lack practical, integrated approaches to developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in harmony.

Despite these challenges, we remain committed to advancing literacy education in Colombia. By equipping teachers with the right tools and methodologies, we believe that we can transform English education and provide students with the skills they need to truly master the language.

What are you reading (personal or professional)?

I'm currently reading Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed and Ballads of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins. With my 8-year-old son, we're enjoying The Bad Guys series by Aaron Blabey—currently on book 11—and a Spanish book, La Granja del Borrego by Carlos Alberto Diaz (El Borrego).

Professionally, I'm reading Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading Into the Balanced Literacy Classroom by Jan Burkins and Kari Yates and A Fresh Look at Phonics: Common Causes of Failure and 7 Ingredients for Success by Wiley Blevins.

How long have you been a member of ILA, and how has membership influenced your career?

I joined ILA in April of 2023. Since then, the wealth of resources and insightful articles available through the association has profoundly enriched my understanding of literacy. I've come to appreciate even more how literacy goes beyond merely academic achievement; it shapes students' personal growth and development as well. The more I delve into these materials, the clearer it becomes that fostering literacy skills in students not only equips them for academic success but also empowers them to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage meaningfully with the world around them. Literacy has the power to influence their self-confidence, social relationships, and ability to navigate everyday challenges, making it a cornerstone of both personal and educational development.

What do you consider to be your proudest career moment?

One of my proudest career moments was when I witnessed my son "reading" for the first time. He was articulating a series of sounds, and while they weren't full words yet, the rhythm and flow of the language were unmistakable. It was a powerful moment to see how the seeds of literacy were taking root. Now, he's fully bilingual, and that progression from early reading to fluency fills me with pride. Another proud moment was the opening of the Literacy Center in Pereira. Seeing our vision come to life and knowing we're impacting so many students' lives is incredibly fulfilling.

What do you like to do when you're not wearing your educator hat?

I deeply cherish spending time with my family. I firmly believe that meaningful experiences play a vital role in shaping character and building knowledge. It's through these shared moments—whether big or small—that we learn, grow, and develop a sense of who we are. For my son and daughter, I want to create lasting memories that they can look back on fondly, memories that will not only bring them joy but also serve as touchstones of love, learning, and togetherness. As they grow older, I hope they will carry these moments with them, longing for the warmth and connection we built together.

What advice would you give a new teacher that either you received or wish you had?

It's never too late to start again. In fact, it's never too late to learn, as learning is a lifelong process. We are constantly evolving, and with the right mind-set, we can embrace new opportunities and challenges at any stage of life. Sometimes, all it takes is a shift in perspective—a willingness to "change your chip" and explore the paths that lie ahead. Whether it's pursuing new knowledge, developing a skill, or taking on a fresh challenge, the possibilities are endless when you open yourself to growth and transformation.

What is a little-known fact about yourself?

A little-known fact about me is that I'm always striving for growth and improvement. For example, I've revised the Literacy Center curriculum seven times, not out of uncertainty but because I'm always learning, refining, and challenging myself to do better. I love discovering new approaches and pushing for excellence. On a lighter note, I absolutely love dancing; it's one of my favorite ways to unwind. But on the flip side, I have a quirky fear of butterflies, which surprises most people when they find out!

What can literacy educators do to motivate kids to want to read?

Teachers must demonstrate their own love for reading, as there's no better way to inspire students than by modeling the behavior we want them to adopt. When students see their teachers genuinely enjoying books, it ignites curiosity and fosters a natural connection to reading. Being that role model shows them that reading isn't just a task or requirement but a source of joy, knowledge, and personal growth.

Ultimately, the most effective teaching comes from leading by example—showing students that a passion for reading can open doors to endless possibilities.

What do you believe is the biggest challenge in literacy education today?

One of the biggest challenges in literacy education today is the constantly evolving and fast-paced nature of the world we live in. Every day brings new trends, technologies, and shifts in how information is consumed, which in turn creates new needs for both educators and students. Traditional literacy skills, while still vital, must now be integrated with digital literacy, media literacy, and critical thinking skills to prepare students for the complexities of the modern world.

The challenge lies not only in adapting the curriculum to reflect these changes but also in ensuring that educators are equipped to teach in this dynamic environment. We must find a balance between foundational literacy skills and the ever-expanding demands of the digital age. Furthermore, the rapid influx of information can make it difficult for students to discern credible sources from unreliable ones, making it even more essential to teach critical reading and analysis skills. Literacy education must evolve to meet these new demands while still fostering a love for reading and learning in a way that is meaningful and lasting.

When did you know you wanted to become a teacher?

I initially knew I wanted to become a teacher during my last year of school when I considered pursuing a degree in early childhood education. However, I ended up studying philology and languages because I wanted to immerse myself in learning the language while also gaining a foundation in teaching. It was a blend of passion and challenge—a growing love for teaching combined with a bit of struggle as I mastered the language. But through perseverance and dedication, it all led to a happy ending. Over time, my skills as a teacher and my fluency in the language developed hand in hand, making me even more committed to helping others on their own learning journeys.

Which professional development books have you found influential in your education?

Several professional development books have significantly influenced my approach to education. Shifting the Balance by Jan Burkins and Kari Yates has provided valuable insights into balancing traditional and modern literacy practices. Wiley Blevins’ A Fresh Look at Phonics has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of phonics instruction. The UFLI Curriculum developed by the University of Florida Literacy Institute has also been a game changer in guiding structured literacy instruction. Additionally, The Writing Thief: Using Mentor Texts to Teach the Craft of Writing by Ruth Culham has inspired me to think creatively about teaching writing, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and modeling in helping students become confident writers.

What is the most important lesson you learned from a student?

This is a beautiful story I often share in my conferences, and it’s about a time when I was conducting a small-group reading session with six 5-year-old students. We were reading a book called At the Market, which is about a zebra buying groceries. As usual, I started with a cover analysis and asked the students where they thought the zebra was.

The cover depicted a zebra holding a basket, a koala as a cashier, and various products around them. Naturally, I expected the kids to say that the zebra was at the market. To my surprise, they confidently answered that the zebra was in Africa. Thinking they misunderstood, I pointed to the basket the zebra was carrying and repeated the question. But again, the response was Africa.

I continued asking the same question, pointing to different images on the cover, growing more and more desperate with each attempt. Finally, one student, with kind patience, said, “Teacher, don’t worry. In Africa, there are markets, too.” I was completely taken aback. I realized I had been so focused on receiving the answer I expected that I missed a valuable opportunity to listen and engage with the students’ perspective. It suddenly dawned on me that, first, the kids had been learning about savannah animals in the previous class, and second, I should have embraced their responses instead of steering them toward my own expectations.

That day, I learned an important lesson: As teachers, we must immerse ourselves in our students’ world and be as open to their answers as the boundless imagination of children allows.

What book hooked you as a reader for life?

The book that truly hooked me as a lifelong reader was El Amor en los Tiempos del Cólera (Love in the Time of Cholera) by Gabriel García Márquez. Its captivating storytelling, rich characters, and exploration of love and time drew me in completely. García Márquez’s ability to weave magic realism into everyday life opened my eyes to the power of literature, and from that moment on, I knew reading would always be a central part of my life.

What has changed the most in education since you first started in the field?

In my country, change has been slow. While some schools have embraced the challenge and adopted our innovative methodology, the majority remain resistant to the idea that a shift in how we approach education is necessary. Despite clear evidence that traditional methods are no longer sufficient, many institutions continue to cling to outdated practices. The need for transformation is undeniable, and while progress is happening, it’s happening far too slowly for the impact our students deserve.