Distinguished Reading Teachers
Bethel Elementary’s Katie Saunders has been named the 2015-16 Greenville County International Reading Association (GCIRA) Distinguished Reading Teacher. Katie will represent Greenville County during the state SCIRA conference in February in Hilton Head.
Ms. Saunders is a second grade teacher who believes that modeling strong reading and writing strategies and sharing her own love for reading and writing will encourage students to be better readers and writers. Literature is valued in Ms. Saunders’ classroom, and the daily read-aloud is a time in which she fills her students' brains with wonderful stories. Ms. Saunders takes every opportunity to connect with her student's parents, and takes great pride in her continuous learning.
Second place GCIRA Distinguished Teacher of Reading is Berea Elementary Kindergarten Teacher Angela Adams. Ms. Adams strives to meet student needs by providing choice and differentiation for her diverse learners. Technology is a natural integration in her classroom. Ms. Adams is currently serving as a Balanced Literacy Mentor for her school.
Third place winner is Alexis Moore from Monarch Elementary. Ms. Moore believes that reading is a complex task and it is imperative that teachers develop an understanding of the patterns of literacy acquisition and rely on careful observation of what the child can do, and what he or she needs to do, when planning instruction.
Tied for third place is Deedie Padilla from Paris Elementary. Ms. Padilla is a second grade teacher who was born to teach. Building vocabulary and introducing real-world examples is how she broadens her students' educational horizons.