Mary Anne Triano has been an educator for the past 10 years, teaching children from preschool to second grade in Rhode Island and New Jersey. Her passion for learning lead her to pursue excellence classroom practices that incorporated a balance literacy approach and research based instruction. During her time as a classroom teacher, she had the opportunity to mentored colleagues, student teachers and present on an array of topics including guided reading, writing and mathematics. To continue to influence others, she received her Masters in Educational Administration in 2006. In her current position as Teacher Leader, she uses her expertise to instruct teachers on a daily bases, facilitates staff development, and present workshop opportunities to inspire and teach others.