K-5 literacy coach will bring Ferndale perspective to Bridge Michigan Issues Summit and Teach Plus Michigan Policy Fellowship
FERNDALE, Mich. — Ferndale Public Schools K-5 Literacy Coach Danielle Cover is bringing her expertise beyond the classroom and into statewide conversations about literacy, student achievement and the future of education in Michigan.
Cover, who supports educators and scholars at Ferndale Lower Elementary and Ferndale Upper Elementary, has been selected for the 2026-27 Teach Plus Michigan Policy Fellowship and will serve as an education panelist at the inaugural Bridge Michigan Issues Summit on Oct. 21 at Marygrove Conservancy in Detroit and will be available both in person and virtually.
“I’m excited to bring the experiences of our Ferndale educators and scholars into conversations happening at the state level,” Cover said. “Literacy is the foundation for everything that follows in a child’s education, and I’m passionate about making sure educators have the tools and support they need to help every scholar become a confident reader.”
At the Bridge Michigan Issues Summit at Marygrove Conservancy in Detroit, Cover will participate in the education panel, “The Talent Pipeline: Balancing Early Literacy with Postsecondary Goals.” Moderated by Bridge Michigan education reporter Isabel Lohman, the discussion will explore connections between K-12 education, early literacy, postsecondary opportunities and Michigan’s future workforce.
Cover will join Judy Walton, superintendent of Harrison Community Schools; Venessa Keesler, president and CEO of Launch Michigan; and Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director of the Michigan College Access Network.
Her participation in the summit comes as she begins the 2026-27 Teach Plus Michigan Policy Fellowship. Cover is one of 24 Michigan educators selected for the program, which provides educators with opportunities to engage in education policy, research and advocacy while bringing school-level experiences into statewide discussions.
Through her work as a literacy coach and her statewide leadership opportunities, Cover is helping advance professional learning, instructional collaboration and educator leadership. Her work provides opportunities to share effective practices, learn from colleagues and strengthen the collective capacity of educators to support scholar success.
Cover’s leadership and professional learning opportunities support Ferndale Public Schools’ Dynamic Strategic Plan priority of Relevant and Responsive Staff Development, which recognizes that staff growth and retention strengthen the district’s collective ability to deliver aligned, high-quality learning and student success.
About Ferndale Public Schools
Founded in 1887, Ferndale Public Schools serves approximately 3,100 students from the communities of Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Oak Park, Royal Oak Township and portions of Hazel Park. The district provides a comprehensive educational experience from early childhood through high school, offering rigorous academics, innovative learning opportunities, award-winning arts and athletics, career and technical education, and comprehensive social-emotional supports. Recognized for its commitment to equity, inclusion and student-centered learning, Ferndale Public Schools empowers every student to discover their potential, achieve academic success and become engaged members of their communities.
To learn more about Ferndale Public Schools, visit the website. To stay up to date on district news, events and announcements, visit the News page.