Mission

A local council striving for the best in reading and writing instruction.

Goals

Improve the quality of reading instruction.

To instill a love of reading in students and adults.

To promote activities  that highlight literacy.

Officers

President—Jeannie Blake

Vice President—Kersten Marquart

Secretary—Becky Ryder

Treasurer—Mindy Thomas

It is a privilege for the Marshall County Literacy Council to honor its Rita Takach “Reading Teacher of the Year” for 2023.  Nicole Hess, Fifth Grade Teacher at Central Elementary School, received her award at the Marshall County Literacy Council’s Spring Banquet on May 15, 2023.  Nicole will complete an application for West Virginia Reading Association’s Eddie C. Kennedy Award.  We wish her good luck in November!

Nicole promotes literacy through many activities.  She is passionate about getting to know her student and matching books with their interests and reading level.  She dedicates time to read for enjoyment in her classroom.

Nicole promotes literacy with picture books across the curriculum.  She focuses on students’ interests, abilities, and needs to foster a lifelong love of learning.  She believes reading should be fun!  Her goal is to help students find success, whether that be with decoding a word, becoming more fluent, or comprehending a text.

Nicole received many compliments of her teaching.  Her co-worker states that Mrs. Hess maintains solid instruction while being innovative and trying new things.  “I have learned from watching her and I am a better teacher because of her influence,” noted Mrs. Heather Stillion.  “She uses her knowledge of reading assessments and data to drive her instruction and create prescriptive practices that serve a purpose,” states Mrs. Allyson Varlas.

Congratulations to Nicole Hess, Marshall County Literacy Council’s Rita Takach Reading Teacher of the Year!

It is a privilege for the Marshall County Literacy Council to honor its Rita Takach “Reading Teacher of the Year” for 2022.  Amanda McGraw, Kindergarten Teacher at McNinch Primary School, received her award at the Marshall County Literacy Council’s Spring Banquet on May 17, 2022.  Amanda will complete an application for West Virginia Reading Association’s Eddie C. Kennedy Award.  We wish her good luck in November!

Amanda promotes literacy through many activities.  She immerses her students in a literacy-rich environment with hands-on learning activities.  She provides small group instruction to meet her diverse learners.  She models her love of reading through high interest, engaging read alouds.

Amanda made videos to assist with Fundations lessons during remote learning.  She assisted in getting classroom sponsors for Blooming with Books.  She tutored over the summer.  She served on the textbook adoption committee.  She encouraged guest readers for her classroom.  She researched Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Program and advocated for its use in Kindergarten at McNinch.  She helped with Title 1 Family Fun Night and various book studies.  Additionally, she coordinated Reading Eggs with Fundations to give her students multiple opportunities to learn.

Amanda received many compliments of her teaching.  “Her understanding of brain research, how individuals learn to read, and components of our phonics program makes delivery of instruction most effective.”  Her principal stated, “Amanda cares about her students, motivates her students, sets high standards for them, and works hard with her students so they can reach their highest potential.”

Congratulations to Amanda McGraw, Marshall County Literacy Council’s Rita Takach Reading Teacher of the Year!