Real Schools, Real Impact: When a District Chooses Literacy with Dr. Grant Rivera and Mary Hannah Gaddis
In this episode of Literacy Matters: Empowered Conversations, Marietta City Schools leaders Dr. Grant Rivera and Mary Hannah Gaddis share how their district turned the science of reading into sustained classroom practice. They explore the leadership, job-embedded professional learning, coaching, and community partnerships behind their structured literacy transformation. Hear how Marietta City Schools built a shared vision, supported educators through meaningful change, used feedback and data to strengthen instruction, and expanded its literacy work from early learning through high school.
Thought Leader: Dr. Grant Rivera, Superintendent
Grant Rivera has been the proud Superintendent of Marietta City Schools since 2016, leading the district’s 12 schools, approximately 8,500 students, and 1,200 employees. He is a career educator who has served as a principal, teacher, and coach prior to becoming superintendent. He is humbled and honored to be leading Marietta City Schools, where the district serves as a state and national model for innovation and the science of reading.
Grant holds a bachelor’s degree in education and social policy from Northwestern University and earned a master’s degree in special education and a Doctorate of Education with an emphasis in school law from the University of Alabama. Dr. Rivera and his wife, Jenn, live in Marietta with their two daughters. Grant and his family are committed, in collaboration with CURE Childhood Cancer, to raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research, as his daughter is a stage IV cancer survivor.
Thought Leader: Mary Hannah Gaddis, Director of Structured Literacy
Mary Hannah is a dedicated educator dedicated to improving literacy outcomes. With 15 years of experience serving in a variety of roles, including teacher, instructional coach, administrator, and facilitator, she is experienced in bridging research to practice to support students, teachers, and educational leaders across all grades. As the Director of Structured Literacy in Marietta City Schools, Mary Hannah coordinates literacy professional development for teachers and leaders, grounded in the science of reading research. Mary Hannah is proud to call Marietta home, where she and her husband are raising their two sons.
Get to Know the Host: Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift
Cheryl holds a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, is a distinguished educational leader, and has been recognized with multiple awards for her achievements. She served as the lead curriculum developer for Learning Without Tears' Get Set for School Language and Literacy curriculum, which received an AEP Distinguished Achievement Award, and was awarded the Investors Bank Educator of the Year Award.
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