Lifelong Lancer leads literacy statewide

Dr. Danielle Sisson-Jones, a triple Longwood graduate, empowers educators statewide, giving back to the program that shaped her journey.

What does it mean to be a lifelong Lancer? Reading, Literacy & Learning, M.Ed. (RLL) graduate Dr. Danielle Sisson-Jones is a fine example after earning her bachelor’s degree, Master of Education degree, and educational leadership professional endorsement at Longwood University. 

Today, she helps shape the next generation of reading specialists as an adjunct professor with the RLL instructional team.

“I’ve continued my education at Longwood because I’ve always felt supported and valued—not just like a number,” said Sisson-Jones.

Empowered by her Longwood experience, Sisson-Jones has taken her expertise beyond the classroom to shape literacy practice statewide. 

As education and outreach manager with the University of Virginia’s Virginia Literacy Partnerships, she supports implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) as a regional literacy coach. In this role, she works with 16 Virginia school divisions to strengthen core literacy programs and also leads in-person professional development for administrators and reading specialists.

One of her main goals? To help educators understand science-based reading research and evidence-based literacy instruction. 

“What I find most fulfilling is the opportunity to support meaningful, systemic change in student literacy outcomes,” she said. “When educators share that something we presented changed their thinking or improved their practice, it reaffirms that we’re making a tangible difference for students—especially those who need the most support.”

Sisson-Jones’ passion for literacy education began when she was a Longwood undergraduate just beginning to recognize the challenges students face with reading. While earning her bachelor’s in English secondary education in 2017, she had a pivotal student teaching experience that inspired her to stay at Longwood for graduate school.

“I quickly realized that many middle school students struggled with reading—and I didn’t yet have the knowledge or tools to help them,” she said. “That experience inspired me to enroll in Longwood’s RLL program where I discovered a deeper understanding of reading development and the science behind it.”

She loved the program’s hybrid approach, which was ideal for working professionals. 

“At the time, hybrid and online learning felt very new, but it was perfect for someone like me who was teaching full-time while pursuing graduate studies.”

She also noted that small, close-knit RLL classes allowed her to build professional relationships with Longwood peers and professors—connections that have been instrumental in shaping her career.

“I’ve connected with incredible reading specialists, coaches, professors, and peers,” she said. “Many of them remain my professional mentors, thought partners, and close friends. Today, some of my former classmates are now colleagues, and we work together to support literacy efforts across the state.”

Now part of the RLL instructional team, Sisson-Jones continues to build the kinds of relationships that once helped launch her own career—relationships that propelled her from middle school English teacher to division literacy specialist and director of elementary education. She connects with future reading specialists, offers real-world insights into their roles, and supports them as they step into their own careers.

It’s a full-circle moment—one that allows her to give back to the program that shaped her path.

“Longwood’s RLL program equips teachers with the knowledge and skills to elevate literacy achievement in their schools and to mentor and support their colleagues in doing the same.”