We recently had the chance to connect with Meg Flanagan and have shared our conversation below.
Meg, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Running. I’ve been a runner since high school, starting with mid-distance on the track and now covering anywhere from 3 to 12 miles per run. Running has long been my peaceful place, a time when I can reflect and (literally) work through mental blocks.
I run solo or with a group of other female distance runners. Solo, I love to listen to music or a podcast. When I’m with my running group, we often chat. But just as often, we exist in companionable silence together.
For me, the most peaceful moments have come on runs: logging pre-dawn miles around Mission Bay and watching the sun peek above the water, evening runs through Balboa Park as the animals hoot and holler, and pure sightseeing runs along the Embarcadero.
After a run, I return back home — ready to tackle the hard work ahead.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a teacher, mother, educator, advocate, and military spouse. I started Meg Flanagan Education Solutions as a natural progression from a small tutoring business. As a tutor, I had noticed that many families were feeling stuck, unheard, and misunderstood. Their child needed something different or more than what was offered, but they weren’t sure how to get the ball rolling for special education services.
The need was greatest in the military community. We move often, which can prevent military children from being identified and supported with an IEP in a timely fashion. And military families often find it challenging to juggle the small, but important, differences in education laws between states — even if their child has a 504 Plan or an IEP.
That’s where I come in! I love reading education laws and policies, as well as staying up to date on educational best practices in the classroom. I help busy parents understand their child’s school data, decode educational plans and rules, and advocate for the best education possible.
Since I started my advocacy business in 2017, I’ve helped over 150 families better understand K-12 public education and craft better education plans for their child.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My parents taught me everything I know about how to work hard toward a goal.
My mom and dad were the very first people in their families to attend and graduate from college. Then they both built successful professional careers in their fields. When I was little, my dad went back to grad school to pursue a Masters in Social Work and later became an LICSW. After my sister and I were older, my mom went back and got her Masters degree as well, specializing in written language. They both scrimped and saved to attend college, pursuing their dreams with purpose and passion.
Seeing them both work so hard and keep going, no matter what life threw in their path, has deeply inspired my work ethic.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
Honestly, it was about the best way to teach foundational literacy skills.
When I was in college and graduate school, the go-to reading instruction method was Balanced Literacy. We learned how to structure reading circles and build motivational bulletin boards, but not a lot about how phonics actually works or how to sequence basic letter/sound instruction for best results.
Knowing how to build a cozy reading nook, “level” kids into books, or craft the prettiest displays did not serve me well in actual practice.
However, learning about the Science of Reading (SoR) and knowing how to implement SoR instruction in a meaningful, structured, and systematic way has made all the difference. As I have continued to expand as an advocate, I’ve also made it a point to grow my knowledge of SoR. Knowing about how literacy should be taught, especially for students with learning disabilities, has really helped my clients achieve better results.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am committed to truly equitable education for all students. To me, this means understanding how all aspects of a child’s being impact their ability to learn.
It also means that educators, families, schools, and communities should be ready to support individual education for all children. Expecting all children to learn at the same pace, with the same materials, and the same methods when they come from different cultures, income levels, and lived experiences is not practical.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will say that I cared deeply about others, about how I treated other people with kindness, and how we can work together to make life better for our neighbors. I hope they will say that I worked to move the needle a little closer to justice.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.megflanagan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megflanaganeducation
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meg-flanagan-education-solutions-llc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megflanaganeducation
Image Credits
Photo 1: Oh Happy Davis Photography
Photo 2: Meg Flanagan
Photo 3: Kelli Slimm Photography
Photo 4: Meg Flanagan
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
