Hemet Unified School District (HUSD) continues to be recognized across the state and nation for its innovative, multi-tiered approach to literacy. From early elementary classrooms to adult education programs, HUSD has made literacy a cornerstone of its mission to Embrace, Educate, and Empower – Every Student, Every Day.
In 2022, HUSD’s efforts were spotlighted on a national stage when Dr. Lauren Armijo, Director of Elementary Education, and Kristen Anderson, Director of Literacy and Intervention, were invited to present at the U.S. Department of Education’s From Recovery to Thriving Summit. They shared how HUSD, in partnership with WestEd, approached post-pandemic learning loss through systems thinking and continuous improvement. By mapping out literacy systems, understanding student and adult learning needs, and building capacity across all levels, the district created scalable, sustainable support structures that are already yielding measurable progress.
Central to this success is the district’s investment in professional learning. Over 500 teachers have completed the rigorous LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) program—a two-year training focused on evidence-based reading instruction. This commitment ensures that students receive high-quality, research-backed literacy instruction in every classroom.
Innovation in instruction is also flourishing. At Hemet Elementary, teacher Mekel Bromley was featured in a national case study for integrating literacy and science instruction. Her strategy, which includes annotating complex science texts and using morphology and audio supports, helps students—particularly English learners—develop comprehension and confidence while tackling challenging vocabulary.
Literacy efforts extend beyond traditional classrooms. In celebration of Adult Education Family Literacy Week, Hemet Adult School partnered with HUSD’s Wellness and Community Outreach Center to host “Family Game Night: Fun with Literacy.” The event brought together over 100 families for an evening of reading, games, and book giveaways—emphasizing the power of adult education in shaping household literacy and community well-being.
From teacher training and cross-curricular innovation to community engagement and adult education, HUSD’s literacy work is not only transforming lives—it’s setting a powerful standard for what is possible when a district invests in literacy at every level. With a shared vision and unwavering commitment, Hemet Unified continues to build a future where every student, from the youngest reader to the lifelong learner, is equipped with the skills, confidence, and support they need to thrive. Literacy is more than a subject—it’s a gateway to opportunity, and HUSD is proud to be leading the way.