Hello Trailblazers! My name is Mary Watkins. This is my 21^st year in education with Leon County Schools and my 11^th year proudly serving as DeSoto Trail’s Literacy Coach (formerly called Reading Coach). I’m from a military family (Go Army) and grew up moving around to different states every few years; I was even fortunate to live in Germany when I was younger. In 1989, I moved to Tallahassee to attend college at Florida State University, and I’ve been here ever since. 

In 1994, I graduated with both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in special education. I am certified in Elementary Education K-6, Exceptional Student Education K-12, and I have my Reading Endorsement as well. I started my career working as an ESE teacher at Riley Elementary and then Gilchrist Elementary, where I eventually became their reading coach/reading resource teacher. I later took a break for nine years to be a stay-at-home mom while my children were little. In 2012, I was blessed to be able to return to the workforce at DeSoto Trail, the school that my daughters attended. I can’t imagine working anywhere else; we’re all one big family here!

As the Literacy Coach, my role is primarily to work with teachers, providing professional development and support to generate improvement in reading and literacy instruction and student achievement. We have the BEST teachers at DTES so my job is an easy one😊!  Occasionally, I get the opportunity to work one-on-one or in small group with some of our sweet Trailblazers teaching them how to read. This is my passion! It is so rewarding to see a child blossom into a reader!

When not at school, I love to spend time with my family. I also enjoy reading a good book and traveling when I can. We often visit nearby Port St. Joe/Cape San Blas (where my sister’s family lives). The beach there is my happy place! I’ve been married to my husband, Todd, for 25 years this September, and we have two daughters, Natalie, age 18 - a freshman at FSU and Lindsey, age 16 - a sophomore at Chiles H.S.  Add to that, our sweet golden retriever, Lacey, who we adore. 

If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s reading skills, please know that I am here for you. Remember, today a reader, tomorrow a leader!