TalentFirst

The latest review of teacher preparation programs reinforces what many of us have been seeing on the ground: progress is real—but too many aspiring teachers are still not being trained in evidence-based reading instruction.

That matters. Because the research is clear—nearly all students can learn to read when instruction aligns with what we know works. In fact, researchers estimate more than 90% of all students could learn to read if they had access to instruction aligned with this body of evidence.

This is exactly where our West Michigan Early Literacy Collaborative is focused.

We’re working alongside K-12 systems and teaching colleges to better align preparation and practice—grounded in the science of reading and informed by real classroom needs. Not as a simple critique of the system, but as a commitment to strengthen it together.

We also know change here isn’t immediate. It requires sustained partnership, shared accountability, and a willingness to act on both data and evidence.

The opportunity is in front of us.

If we align preparation, practice, and policy—we can ensure every child has the opportunity to become a strong reader.

Check out the review: https://teacherquality.nctq.org/review/standard/Reading-Foundations/2026
Visit our West Michigan Early Literacy Collaborative page for more info on our work: https://talentfirst.net/literacy-collaborative/
Read the article: https://www.chalkbeat.org/2026/06/09/half-of-teacher-prep-programs-teach-science-of-reading-nctq-report-says/

A new report on teacher prep and reading instruction has both good news and bad news The share of teacher preparation programs fully aligned with the science of reading has doubled, the National Council on Teacher Quality reported. But that leaves hundreds that are falling short, and many programs declined to participate in NCTQ’s study.

A strong talent pipeline doesn’t happen by chance—it’s intentionally built.

At TalentFirst, our strategy centers on helping students leave high school with clear, connected pathways into postsecondary education, credentials, and careers aligned to real workforce demand. That requires alignment across education and industry, shared expectations, and meaningful, work-based experiences.

We saw that approach in action earlier this spring.

In March, nearly 250 leaders from across West Michigan came together for our Career Readiness Conference—not just to connect, but to focus on practical strategies partners can apply now.

But the work didn’t end when the conference did—it accelerated it.

To support ongoing action, we’ve launched the Career Readiness in Action hub—designed to help partners strengthen career pathways year-round.

👉https://talentfirst.net/career-readiness-in-action/

Inside are tools, resources, and connections to move from ideas to impact.
Because building a stronger, more aligned talent pipeline takes sustained effort—and it’s work we all have a role in advancing.

This isn’t a moment. It’s sustained, systems-level work—and we invite you to be part of it.

Read our blog about this work ⬇️

https://talentfirst.net/preparing-every-high-school-student-for-career-success/

Preparing Every High School Student for Career Success Preparing every high school student for career success is essential to the long‑term economic health of West Michigan and a priority for TalentFirst. Our region’s ability to compete and grow […]

This week, we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week—and the educators who make everything else possible.

At TalentFirst, our commitment to making sure kids can read starts with teachers. Early literacy is the foundation for long-term success in school, work, and life, and it’s shaped every day by educators who show up with skill, patience, and care.

Thank you to the teachers who build confidence, curiosity, and opportunity for our kids—and, in doing so, strengthen our future workforce and community. 📚❤️

Maintenance technician shortages aren’t not a future concern—it’s impacting operations today

Across West Michigan manufacturing, unfilled maintenance technician roles are affecting production uptime, reliability, and cost. Through TalentFirst’s TPM West MI Manufacturing cohort, 10 employers projected a need for ~350 maintenance technicians by 2030, with the most significant gaps at the mid‑career level.

To address this challenge, TalentFirst is launching the Manufacturing Talent Alliance—an employer‑led initiative designed to build a stronger, more reliable pipeline of maintenance technicians for West Michigan manufacturers.

The Manufacturing Talent Alliance is focused on:

🔶 Aligning employers around shared talent needs

🔶 Reducing vacancy time and hiring costs

🔶 Strengthening the long‑term maintenance technician pipeline through coordinated, employer‑driven solutions

This work is built for manufacturers who are feeling the pressure today—and want to be part of shaping sustainable solutions for tomorrow.

If maintenance technician hiring is a priority for your organization, we’d welcome the conversation.

👉 Comment below or contact Carly Smyly, MSOP at [email protected] to learn more.

Early literacy isn’t just an education issue—it’s a talent imperative.

In West Michigan, only 45.2% of third graders are reading proficiently. That’s why TalentFirst is investing early and partnering across sectors to drive real impact—from classroom libraries to recognizing schools leading the way in literacy outcomes.

When students learn to read, our workforce—and our future—gets stronger.

Read:

Investing in Literacy to Strengthen Michigan’s Talent Pipeline At TalentFirst, early literacy is foundational to our mission of strengthening West Michigan’s long‑term talent pipeline. Reading is not just an academic milestone—it is a critical life skill that shapes […]

When students become confident readers, everything changes 📚

Wayland Union Schools’ Dorr Elementary has been named a 2026 TalentFirst Literacy Leader Award recipient—recognized for its outstanding commitment to early literacy and student success.

This recognition, awarded to just six schools across a 13-county West Michigan region, highlights schools demonstrating strong outcomes through research-based practices aligned with the science of reading.

At a special March is Reading Month celebration, the impact of that work came to life through the voices of students and leaders. For Maddie, the journey started early: “I first fell in love with reading at school. I appreciate that our schools have good books to read. I appreciate literacy skills because they will prepare me for life.”

That foundation is exactly what TalentFirst and its partners are working to strengthen. “TalentFirst is focused on the future. We look at the students in this room and in our communities and we want to prepare you for good job, and it all starts with reading,” said TalentFirst President Kevin Stotts. “You have a world of books to read. So many opportunities await you.”

Business leaders echoed that message, connecting early literacy to long-term success. “I was in your shoes not too long ago. My teachers and staff allowd me to be curious and live an adventure through reading. We know as business leaders that early literacy prepares you for success into the future. So remain curious – keep reading,” said Scott Hill of Varnum LLP and The Hill Family Fund.

And as Michigan Representative Rashelle Smit shared, “Literacy strengthens students’ confidence and sets them up for lifelong success.”

With support from TalentFirst CEO Council members, the school also received a $1,000 investment to continue strengthening literacy efforts.
Congratulations to the students, educators, and leaders at Dorr Elementary for setting a powerful example of what’s possible.

📣 TalentFirst in the news 📣 Zinzer Elementary was recognized for its outstanding commitment to early literacy—earning a Literacy Leadership Award and a $1,000 to support their continued work. 📚

This recognition highlights the incredible dedication of educators who are going above and beyond—investing in science-of-reading training, collaborating deeply, and creating classroom environments where students can thrive.

At TalentFirst, we believe strong reading skills are foundational—not just for academic success, but for long-term career pathways and a thriving regional economy.

We’re proud to partner with schools like Zinser that are leading the way and shining a light on what’s possible when educators, students, and communities come together to prioritize literacy.

Watch on FOX 17 : WXMI TV:

Walker's Zinser Elementary earns early literacy recognition award a school-wide recognition ceremony honoring Zinser's commitment to early literacy — including a $1,000 award.

Reading is the key that unlocks potential—and yesterday, we celebrated what that looks like in action.

Zinzer Elementary students and staff at Kenowa Hills Public Schools were recognized with a TalentFIrst Literacy Leader Award for their commitment to strong, evidence-based reading practices and student growth. 📖

This recognition is about more than a moment—it reflects the daily effort of educators, the determination of students, and the leadership of a school community committed to doing what works.

As their principal Brooke Johnson shared during the celebration: “You’re showing you’re the kids that care about reading.”

And that matters.

Because when students build strong reading skills early, it opens doors across every stage of life—from the classroom to the workplace and beyond.

At TalentFirst, we’re proud to stand alongside leaders who believe in that future. As Kevin Stotts noted: “We want to make sure our communities grow and succeed—and one of the ways we can do that is through literacy.”

And as Metal Flow Corporation Owner and Chairperson Leslie Brown and Literacy Leadership Award sponsor put it: “I couldn’t do my job today without being a good reader. I have 250 employees at my company and they couldn’t do their jobs without being good readers.”

This is why our CEO Council continues to invest in early literacy—because strong readers today become the skilled workforce and thriving community of tomorrow.

👏 Congratulations to Zinzer Elementary and all of the 2026 Literacy Leader Award recipients who are helping lead the way across West Michigan.

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Our visit to Lakeview Elementary was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community rallies around literacy. 📚

We were honored to celebrate Lakeview as a Literacy Leadership Award recipient and present a check from TalentFirst CEO Council members supporting their incredible work to build a culture of reading.

As Principal Tiffany Jackson shared, “We are celebrating the amazing dedication of our staff and administrators who make our students great readers… I love that you love to read great books.” That passion is clearly paying off—students have already quintupled their March reading goal, surpassing 20,000 minutes and now aiming for 50,000.

And the joy of reading is real: “I really love reading because every time I do I can go on a big adventure… I don’t even have to pack a bag,” one student told us.

From free birthday books from the school’s book vending machine to classrooms full of stories, Lakeview is creating lifelong readers. As Superintendent Kelly Nielsen reminded students, “The love of reading lasts a lifetime.”

As Rep. Pat Outman shared, “I learned to read in this very school. It’s served me well in life. With schools like this and literacy numbers like this, Michigan is on a literacy comeback.”

This work matters—not just for students today, but for the future of our workforce and communities. As Chairman of Metal Flow and program sponsor Leslie Brown shared, this event makes her think of her employees and others across West Michigan—because strong readers become strong workers.

Congratulations to the entire Lakeview team, students, and partners who are helping lead Michigan’s literacy comeback. 👏

To learn more about our early literacy efforts, including the Literacy Leadership Awards, visit https://lnkd.in/gb_kmyFJ

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