Winners of the 2014 Literacy Leaders of the Year to be Announced
Monday, September 29, 2014
DOE Press Office
850-245-0413
Winners of the 2014 Literacy Leaders of the Year to be Announced
~ Educators and teachers recognized for their commitment to literacy ~
Tallahassee, Fla., September 29, 2014 – Recognizing that literacy is the key to success in careers and in life, the Florida Department of Education is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2014 Literacy Leader awards. Just Read, Florida! (JRF), in partnership with the Florida Reading Association (FRA) and the Florida Literacy Coaches Association (FLCA), have selected the winners based on their commitment, success and diligence in teaching students and the community about the importance of reading and improving on this essential skill. The winners will be announced at the FRA conference on October 18th.
“These are truly inspiring leaders whose enthusiasm and dedication are making great contributions to the future of Florida’s children.” said Commissioner Pam Stewart. “I’m honored there are caring and strong literary gladiators teaching and inspiring students on this fundamental skill in their schools and classrooms”.
“We are thrilled to announce and recognize these outstanding leaders in our schools and districts” said Executive Director of Just Read, Florida! Wendy Stevens. “These literacy leaders are helping all students become master learners.”
Florida school districts had the opportunity to nominate one literacy leader for each category. Of the nominees submitted, JRF, FRA and FLCA selected a winner for each corresponding category. The honorees will each receive a check for $300 on behalf of JRF and the Florida Education Foundation as well as a commemorative plaque. Commissioner Stewart is scheduled to present the Literacy Leader awards at the conference. The awards are sponsored by the Florida Lottery.
The winners of the Literacy Leader awards are:
2014 Just Read, Florida! Literacy Leader of the Year – Superintendent
- Superintendent Literacy Leader of the Year – Melba Luciano, Osceola County
2014 Just Read, Florida! Leader of the Year - District Level
- District Literacy Leader of the Year – Debbie Wood, Brevard County
2014 Just Read, Florida! Literacy Leader of the Year - School Level Administrator
- High School Literacy Leader of the Year – Jayne Ellspermann, West Port High School, Marion County
- Middle School Literacy Leader of the Year – Kenneth Hart, Monroe Middle School, Hillsborough County
- Elementary School Literacy Leader of the Year – Janine Hall, Knights Elementary School, Hillsborough County
2014 Florida Reading Association - Reading Teacher of the Year
- Elementary Reading Teacher of the Year - Sara Calhoun, Molino Park Elementary School, Escambia County
- Middle School Reading Teacher of the Year - Donna Born, Meigs Middle School, Okaloosa County
- High School Reading Teacher of the Year - Natasha Murphy, West Port High School, Marion County
2014 Just Read, Florida! / Florida Literacy Coaches Association - Literacy Coach of the Year
- Elementary Reading Coach of the Year - Jessica Webb, Meadowlane Intermediate School & Suntree Elementary, Brevard County
- Secondary Reading Coach of the Year - Barbara Hicks, Bay High School, Bay 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 more information about the Department of Education’s Just Read, Florida! office, visit www.justreadflorida.com.
Read More News...