Why is preparation so critical for reading teachers? Because research tells us that it’s the teacher who makes the difference in effective reading instruction. Capable literacy teachers think about their teaching decisions, and they understand and meet the needs of individual students. The new edition of The Essentials of Teaching Children to Read: The Teacher Makes the Difference emphasizes the teacher’s role in literacy development, pointing out the five pillars of effective reading instruction–teacher knowledge, assessment, effective practice, differentiated instruction and family/home connections. Chapters on phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, assessment, and programs and standards are organized around these pillars for a concise look at the teacher’s role in the most important aspects of literacy education.