Literacy and Humanities

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Welcome to the Office of Literacy and Humanities!

Our mission is to support educators in the arts, and literacy, and history and social science, as they work to realize our state's Educational Vision. We do this by:

• Articulating learning standards
• Offering grants
• Developing and sharing resources
• Facilitating professional learning and networking opportunities for educators
• Conducting research in our state
• Coordinating programs for students

Opportunities for Educators and Students

• Registration is now open for Student Government Day
• Registration is now open for Literacy Launch Institutes
• Download the entire Catalog of DESE programs for the current school year

Contact Us

• Katherine Tarca, Director, Literacy and Humanities

Arts

• Dawn Benski, Arts Content Lead

and Literacy

• Linda Sewnarine, Assistant Director, Literacy
• Allison Pickens, /Literacy Content Lead
• Mary Brown, Early Literacy Project Coordinator
• Lori McNally, /Literacy Content Specialist
• Octavia Nixon, /Literacy Content Specialist
• Alyssa Piermarini, /Literacy Content Specialist
• Amy Tavares, /Literacy Content Specialist

History and Social Science

• Rebekah Judson, History/Social Science Content Specialist
• Miesha Keita, History/Social Science Content Specialist
• Julia Lucas, History/Social Science Content Specialist
• Dylan Geesey, Accessibility Specialist

Not sure who to contact? Email literacyandhumanities@mass.gov

Last Updated: December 8, 2025