Dr. Sara Merkle (she/her) is a School Success Specialist at the University of Delaware’s School Success Center and teaches courses in the College of Education and Human Development. Her passions include adolescent literacy instruction; guiding curriculum selection, development, and/or implementation; delivering professional development; developing and leading PLCs; facilitating coaching cycles; and fostering relationships between leaders and teachers. Sara is grateful that the SSC allows her to advocate for teachers and students. She is a co-author of the book Differentiated Literacy Instruction in Grades 6-8: Strategies and Resources, published in January 2026. Sara is a person who stutters, a characteristic that has complicated and enhanced her life. In her spare time, Sara enjoys running and travelling. She also mentors other professionals who stutter at work.