What We Do
David and Meredith Liben have been providing practical and effective literacy support and learning opportunities to schools, districts, school networks, and publishers for over 30 years.
They have a strong track record in improving literacy outcomes for students.
The Libens are hoping the content of their books and the resources gathered on this site will provide support for teachers, schools and systems looking to improve their students’ reading outcomes.
They are traveling less frequently these days, but will consider requests. They still do a virtual work. Feel free to reach out to see if they can accommodate what you’re looking for in some form or another.
Our Mission
We believe being able to read well and express oneself confidently is the right of every child.
We know how to make that happen, and we believe schools and teachers should know how to make that happen too.
Meet Meredith & David
The Libens have taught, written and collaborated together for the past 38 years. Their teaching and work has spanned every grade and most school types, though it has been predominately in urban centers (mostly in Harlem).
Both David and Meredith Liben have worked in rural schools and in community college and teacher prep programs as well. They coordinated the project designed to provide the best information and tools to educators around questions of defining the text complexity and range of reading called for by the Common Core State Standards during the first decade they were in widespread use.
David Liben
David is a nationally recognized reading expert who is uniquely able to translate research on the brain and reading into practical applications for teachers and students. Prior to being involved with the Common Core State Standards and helping educators in all settings make the shifts they need to so students can thrive, David taught and led schools at all grade levels during a 35 year school-based career.
During the past several years, the Libens have been working to support teachers, students and instructional materials makers by teaching about the practical implications of reading research. Most recently, their collaboration has resulted in two books: Know Better Do Better: Teaching the Foundations so Every Child Can Read and Know Better Do Better: Comprehension, Fueling the Reading Brain with Knowledge, Vocabulary and Rich Language.
David and Meredith live in Vermont and love working together.
Meredith Liben
Meredith taught for over 30 years in a variety of settings. She and David have particular interest in getting instructional materials right for teachers and students at all levels and making sure teachers have the knowledge they need to work confidently with students. Meredith is one of a handful of nationally certified literacy coaches for College and Career Standards for Adult Basic Education and also loves to work with career and technical teachers along with elementary and middle school teachers.
David and Meredith are long time collaborators. They live in Vermont and love working together.