2011 Literacy Award Winners Announced
DOE Press Office (850) 245-0413
2011 Literacy Award Winners Announced
~ Recipients honored for their outstanding commitment to literacy ~TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Education is pleased to announce the winners of the 2011 Just Read, Florida! Literacy Awards. Following a comprehensive selection process, statewide literacy leaders were chosen from among district nominations based on their commitment to literacy and their proven ability to promote and teach others about the fundamental skill of reading.
"I'm honored to recognize these literacy champions for their commitment to the critical skill of reading and their efforts to make literacy a top priority in their schools and classrooms," said Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson. "Their enthusiasm and dedication to student success is an asset to their schools and to Florida."
Florida school districts were invited to nominate outstanding literacy leaders in four categories for consideration as a finalist. The top two individuals in each category were identified from the list of finalists and a winner from each category was selected. Each state finalist will receive a commemorative certificate and statewide winners will receive a plaque in appreciation of their literacy efforts.
The winners of the 2011 Just Read, Florida! Literacy Awards are as follows:
I. Literacy Leader of the Year (District and State)
The Literacy Leader of the Year is selected from among district and school level administrators who demonstrate superior leadership qualities and advance policies to foster excellence in literacy education at all levels.- District Literacy Leader of the Year WinnersLynn Dougherty-Underwood, K-12 Director of Literacy, Hillsborough County
Guyla Hendricks, Chief Officer, Quality Assurance and Curriculum Support, Okaloosa County - Elementary School Literacy Leader of the Year Winner
Lizette O'Halloran, Principal, Joella Good Elementary School, Miami-Dade County - Middle School Literacy Leader of the Year Winner
Joann "Joie" DeStefano, Principal, Holley-Navarre Middle School, Santa Rosa County - High School Literacy Leader of the Year Winners
Gina Machelicka, Assistant Principal, Springstead High School, Hernando County
Maria Lloyd, Assistant Principal, Seminole Ridge Community High School, Palm Beach County
II. Reading Coach of the Year
The Reading Coach of the Year award recognizes expertise in literacy and the ability to effectively deliver professional development activities related to literacy.- Elementary Reading Coach of the Year Winner
Lisa Stalker, Idyllwilde Elementary School, Seminole County - Middle School Reading Coach of the Year Winner
Janet Bergh, Ocoee Middle School, Orange County - High School Reading Coach of the Year Winner
Lora McCalister-Cruel, A. Crawford Mosely High School, Bay County
III. Reading Teacher of the Year
The Reading Teacher of the Year award recognizes demonstrated expertise in the area of reading and the effective use of innovative and/or original instructional materials and methods designed to enhance student learning.- Elementary Reading Teacher of the Year Winner
Catherine Ryan, Belle Terre Elementary School, Flagler County - Middle School Reading Teacher of the Year Winner
Amy Brett, Southwest Learning Center, formerly at Freedom Middle School, Orange County - High School Reading Teacher of the Year Winner
Annette Klabuhn, Choctawhatchee High School, Okaloosa County
IV. Reading Leadership Team of the Year
The Reading Leadership Team of the Year award recognizes school reading teams that demonstrate leadership in building a school literacy culture through collegiality and collaboration.- Elementary Reading Leadership Team of the Year Winner
Goldsboro Elementary School, Seminole County - Middle School Reading Leadership Team of the Year Winner
Union Park Middle School, Orange County - High School Reading Leadership Team of the Year Winner
Crestview High School, Okaloosa County
The Department of Education's Just Read, Florida! Office actively works with community groups and volunteer organizations throughout the state to support the goal of making reading a priority in Florida public schools. For the complete details of the 2011 Literacy Award winners, finalists and categories, visit http://www.justreadflorida.com/literacy-awards.asp. For more information about the Department of Education's Just Read, Florida! office, visit www.justreadflorida.com.