On August 14, 2024, at 10:00 am, the National Book Foundation made an exciting announcement regarding the 2024/25 recipients of the National Teacher Fellowship. This program, now in its second year, aims to support and celebrate 6th-12th grade teachers who are using innovative methods to incorporate reading for pleasure into their students‘ daily school experience. The foundation recognizes educators who are connecting young people with excellent literature and fostering a lifelong love of reading, especially in a time when access to diverse books is crucial.
This year’s cohort of National Teacher Fellows hails from six states across the United States, including Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Michigan, and New York. These educators teach a variety of subjects such as English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and more, impacting over 875 students in the upcoming academic year. Each Fellow will receive a $2,000 budget for books and a $3,000 stipend upon completion of the program. Throughout the fellowship, they will develop initiatives to promote reading for pleasure in their classrooms, incorporate National Book Award-honored titles into their curriculum, and participate in a professional learning community with their cohort.
The selection committee, comprised of writers and educators, had the challenging task of choosing this year’s Fellows. Among the recipients are teachers like Shanel Adams from Detroit, MI, who is dedicated to girls‘ education and multicultural curricula. Nikia D. Garland from Indianapolis, IN, who teaches British Literature and AP Language & Composition, and Brendan Gillett from Brooklyn, NY, who works with English Language Learners at the International High School at Prospect Heights.
One of the Fellows, Gabriela Goitía Vázquez from North Miami Beach, FL, focuses on teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages and AP Spanish Literature. Kristin Mitchell from Orlando, FL, serves as a Reading Instructional Coach at University High School, while Shelby Oshiro from Wai’anae, HI, teaches Social Studies at Wai’anae Intermediate School. Beatriz Ramos Jimenez from Pahala, HI, brings her passion for science and reading together at Ka’u High and Pahala Elementary School. Lastly, Ellie Roberts from Paonia, CO, instills the love of reading in her students at Paonia K-8 School.
Each Fellow has a unique project that aims to engage students in reading for pleasure and promote literacy in their classrooms. From weaving together needlework and storytelling to merging poetry and podcast creation, these educators are finding creative ways to connect students with literature and foster a love for reading. By incorporating National Book Award-honored titles and creating a supportive community of readers, these teachers are making a lasting impact on their students‘ lives.
In conclusion, the National Teacher Fellowship program is a testament to the dedication and innovation of educators across the country who are committed to promoting reading for pleasure in their classrooms. Through their projects and initiatives, these Fellows are inspiring a new generation of readers and nurturing a lifelong love of literature. The National Book Foundation’s support of these teachers is essential in ensuring that all students have access to diverse books and the opportunity to develop a deep connection with reading. Congratulations to the 2024/25 National Teacher Fellows for their outstanding work and commitment to literacy education.