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The American Literacy Corporation recognizes and rewards certificated educators who significantly increase the literacy levels of their students.
We believe the educator is the key to improving the literacy skills of listening, speaking, critical thinking, reading, and writing. Improved literacy results in greater performance and productivity, not only in school, but also in the work force.
ALC annually grants “The Outstanding Contributions to Literacy Award” to excellent certificated educators who show the greatest literacy improvement of their students. Awards of $3,000 are given to educators who make a significant difference in the literacy achievement of their students in grades TK-8 and a $500 grant is given to the winner’s school for reading or language arts activities or materials.
Award Submissions
CRA Chapters
Do you know any outstanding teachers or certificated reading support staff who are making a difference in the lives of their students? The American Literacy Corporation would like your help in identifying certificated educators, transitional kindergarten through eighth grade, who are quietly improving the reading skills of their students.
Encourage and mentor an outstanding TK-8 educator to apply for the “Outstanding Contributions to Literacy” award.
Chapters that write a letter of recommendation for the applicant (to be included in the application) will be awarded $500 for a WINNING educator.
AMERICAN LITERACY CORPORATION (ALC) offers educators, parents, and others, the strategies to use when reading aloud to students that will help ensure success in reading/listening comprehension for all students. ALC offers free lessons on this website for TK-8 instructors using Read Aloud Strategies and a selected piece of children’s literature.
Award Submissions
Do you know any outstanding teachers or certificated reading support staff who are making a difference in the lives of their students? The American Literacy Corporation would like your help in identifying certificated educators, kindergarten through eighth grade, who are quietly improving the reading skills of their students.
CRA Chapters
Encourage and mentor an outstanding TK-8 educator to apply for the “Outstanding Contributions to Literacy” award.
Chapters that write a letter of recommendation for the applicant (to be included in the application) will be awarded $500 for a WINNING educator.
AMERICAN LITERACY CORPORATION (ALC) offers educators, parents, and others, the strategies to use when reading aloud to students that will help ensure success in reading/listening comprehension for all students. ALC offers free lessons on this website for TK-8 instructors using Read Aloud Strategies and a selected piece of children’s literature.
THOSE HAVING TORCHES WILL PASS THEM ON TO OTHERS. —Plato
“First of all, in the context of education, this implies that teachers have the Torch of Literacy-that they have the knowledge and understanding of the meaning of literacy. Secondly, Plato implies that those who have the Torch will also have the desire and the will to pass this on. Enthusiastic, caring teachers pass this Torch to their students every day.”
— the late Dr. Jo M. Stanchfield, Founder of the American Literacy Corporation.
The American Literacy Corporation recognizes and rewards teachers who significantly increase the literacy levels of their students.
We believe the teacher is the key to improving the literacy skills of listening, speaking, critical thinking, reading, and writing. Improved literacy results in greater performance and productivity, not only in school, but also in the work force.
The American Literacy Corporation holds high the torch of literacy as it strives to accomplish two goals:
ALC annually grants “The Outstanding Contributions to Literacy Award” to excellent teachers who show the greatest literacy improvement of their students. Awards of $3,000 are given to teachers who make a significant difference in the literacy achievement of their students in grades TK-8 and a $500 grant is given to the winner’s school for reading or language arts activities or materials. ALC also awards $500 to CRA Councils who write a letter of recommendation for a WINNING teacher.
ALC strives to increase literacy levels in students by providing teachers and parents with specific strategies for improving comprehension through reading, listening, critical thinking, writing, and speaking. This is accomplished through READ ALOUD Strategies, created by Dr. Jo Stanchfield for grades TK-8. These strategies help teachers develop critical thinking skills in students utilizing guided reading and listening lessons using excellent novels and literature appropriate to their grade level.
Joni Smith – PresidentJoni was an Outstanding Contributions to Literacy Award winner in 1996. She began working with Dr. Jo Stanchfield, Penny Hirschman and Nancy Bowman shortly after. Joni has presented workshops, book clubs, and provided professional development for many teachers on a variety of topics. She is a Brentwood Union School District Teacher of the Year award winner and the 2017 State-wide Celebrate Literacy Award recipient from the California Reading Association/International Reading Association.
Joni has been a classroom teacher since 1979. She recently retired after 40 years in the classroom. Thirty-three of those years in the Brentwood Union School District at Garin Elementary School in Brentwood, California.
Melanie Oliver – Vice PresidentMelanie is theDirector of The Center for Teacher Preparation programs house in the Education Services (ES) unit at the Riverside County Office of Education. Melanie leads several teacher preparation programs to provide alternate pathways in supporting and the development of new teachers earning their preliminary teaching credential.
Melanie received the Outstanding Literacy Teacher award in 2016 when she was a 2nd grade teacher at Highland Elementary School in Corona-Norco Unified School District.
Mike Barney – SecretaryMike is a retired Executive Director of the Instruction Services (IS) unit at the Riverside County Office of Education. This unit is responsible for directly assisting districts and schools in the areas of curriculum, pedagogy, and leadership. Currently, Mike volunteers at Coachella Valley schools by modeling and teaching writing lessons for students and teachers.
Mike received the Outstanding Literacy Teacher in 1999 when he was a project teacher at Rancho Mirage Elementary School in Palm Springs Unified School District.
Julie Dooley – Board MemberJulie is the Director, Curriculum & Instruction with the Contra Costa County Office of Education. In this role, Julie is responsible for overseeing the CCCOE Literacy Project and the implementation of statewide literacy grants. Her literacy project team plays a key role in supporting the implementation of effective, evidence-based literacy and language instruction through professional learning for teachers and leaders. In previous roles, she has lead the COE’s MTSS team, developed and coordinated the Administrative Leadership Program, and served as a member of the differentiated assistance team as an improvement coach.
Prior to her position at CCCOE, she spent 28 years teaching and leading in the Brentwood Union School District in Brentwood, CA. During her time there, she was recognized as a district teacher of the year, a district service center certificated employee of the year, and a curriculum and instruction administrator of the year for the local ACSA chapter.
Julie is honored to be an ALC board member. She looks forward to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of outstanding educators of literacy every year!
Lynn Gurnee – Board MemberLynn Gurnee is a retired educator as Principal, TK-12 Literacy Coordinator, Reading Recovery Teacher, and a teacher of all grades: kindergarten through college. Lynn is now president of the Contra Costa Reading Association. Lynn also serves on the Alameda County Reading Association Board where she was President and held several other roles. She proudly served the California Reading Association as President and in many other positions. Lynn provides professional development for teachers on a variety of topics.
Lynn is a past Newark Unified District Teacher of the Year. She’s also a recipient of the California Reading Association John Martin Distinguished Service Award in 2015 as well as Hall of Fame Award in 2018. Her heart is always to encourage and inspire teachers and students.
Tamra Mansapit- Board Member
Tamra Mansapit is the Social Media Coordinator for the American Literacy Corporation. In 2018, she was recognized with the Outstanding Contributions to Literacy Award while teaching 1st grade. Over the years, she has led workshops, book clubs, and provided professional development for teachers on various topics. Currently, Tamra serves as the President of the Contra Costa Reading Association. She has also been honored as the Brentwood Union School District Teacher of the Year and received the 2017 State-wide Celebrate Literacy Award from the California Reading Association/International Reading Association.
Tamra has been a classroom teacher since 2019, currently teaching 5th grade in Brentwood, California. In addition, she holds positions as the Site ELD lead, curriculum committee, and provides technology support at the site level.
Penny Hirschman – President EmeritusPenny was a founding member of American Literacy Corporation. She served in many roles with ALC. She became the President of ALC from 2005 to 2012. Currently, she is our President Emeritus. Penny has been a teacher, consultant, presenter, council and area president among her roles within the California reading Association. Both Penny and her husband Tom have been instrumental in American Literacy Corporation. In 1992 Penny was part of Dr. Jo Stanchfield’s planning team that helped to create the American Literacy Corporation.
Nancy Bowman – Honorary Advisory Board MemberNancy was a recipient of the “Outstanding Contributions to Literacy” award in 1996 and has been involved in the organization since that time. Nancy retired from Manteca Unified School District, where she served as a kindergarten and first grade teacher, mentor, teacher trainer, and demonstration classroom teacher. Nancy presented many literacy-related workshops during her career.
It is an honor to be a part of ALC and to have the opportunity to honor outstanding educators!
Carole Silva – Honorary Advisory Board MemberAMERICAN LITERACY CORPORATION (ALC) offers both teachers, parents, and others, the strategies to use when reading aloud to students that will help ensure success in reading/listening comprehension for all students. ALC offers free lessons on this website for instructors* of PRIMARY students using Read Aloud Strategies for Grades TK-3 and a selected piece of children’s literature. Read Aloud Strategies for Grades 4-8 are offered for the instructors of INTERMEDIATE students, using a favorite novel. An explanation of strategies and techniques is provided, along with a sample lesson plan. A template is also provided for the instructors, using their choice of literature, to meet the needs of the students. Lessons are short and are easily incorporated into the classroom schedule, or may be used at home.
The easy to use and comprehensive strategies provided in Read Aloud Strategies for Grades TK-3 and Read Aloud Strategies for Grades 4-8 will improve each student’s ability to think and respond critically, increase comprehension, and improve reading scores.
*Instructors may be teachers, instructional aides, cross-age tutors, or parents.
The easy to use and comprehensive strategies provided in Read Aloud Strategies for Grades TK-3 and Read Aloud Strategies for Grades 4-8 will improve each student’s ability to think and respond critically, increase comprehension, and improve reading scores.
*Instructors may be teachers, instructional aides, cross-age tutors, or parents.
American Literacy Corporation annually grants the “Outstanding Contributions to Literacy” award to excellent California classroom teachers and certified reading support personnel in grades TK-8. These awards of $3,000 each are given to selected certificated educators who make a significant difference in the literacy skills of their students. Each awardee’s school also receives a $500 grant for reading or language arts activities or materials.
Winning teachers or certificated reading support staff members will receive:
The online application process requires the completion of two sections: a common application section for all applicants and a role-specific section based on the applicant’s current role.
The Common Application Section asks you to:
The Role-Specific Application Section asks you to:
Download the Award Submission Packet. This is a zip file with the application, instructions and video release. It will be placed in your “Downloads” folder on your computer. Note you may see a warning from your antivirus software, ignore and proceed with the download. Our files are checked daily to fight corruption.
Register with us. To submit an application you must first register with us. We need only minimal information from you and we never share your information without your consent. Please do not register more than one eMail address.
Complete the Award Submission Form on your computer, be sure to Save your changes as you fill in the form. Obtain the letter from your Principal along with the optional CRA document and generate your Whole Class Scores PDF. Capture your Classroom Video and upload to Youtube.
Upload your files. As you complete/collect your submission files you can begin uploading them to our website. You do not need a password to upload rather we will display your personal link to our upload page. You should bookmark this page for quick access. The link is valid until midnight, July 15 and you may request the link as often as needed. The link will be sent to your registered eMail.
Need help? Use this if you are having issues with the website such as registering, obtaining an upload link or uploading your files or if you have questions regarding the Award Submission process.
There are Download and Upload steps that cannot be performed on a Mobile device and are not shown. You will need to use a desktop or laptop computer to access these functions.
Download the Award Submission Packet. The Submission Packet contains everything you need to apply for the “Outstanding Contributions to Literacy” award. Look for a folder named “ALC_Submission_Packet.zip” in your local “download” folder. The zip file contains the Application form, Instructions and a sample video release form.
Register with us. To submit an application you must first register with us. We need only minimal information from you and we never share your information without your consent. Please do not register more than one eMail address. If you think you have already registered but are unsure of what email you used then click the “Am I Registered” button to test your email(s).
Complete Award Submission Form on your computer, be sure to Save your changes as you fill in the form. Obtain the letter from your Principal along with the optional CRA document and generate you Whole Class Scores PDF. Capture your Classroom Video and upload to Youtube.
Upload your files. As you complete/collect your submission files you can begin uploading them to our website. You do not need a password to upload rather we will send you a personal link to our upload page. The link is valid until midnight, July 15 and you may request the link as often as needed. The link will be sent to your registered eMail.
Photos of Recent Award Winners, for more photos please visit the website on a desktop or laptop computer
Virtual 2021-2022 Awards presentation.
Tracy Hualde, Vicentia Elementary, Corona-Norco Unified School District.
Jennifer Schwank, Temecula Valley, Temecula Valley Unified School District.
Maureen Silvano, 66th Street School, Los Angeles Unified School District.
Virtual 2020-2021 Awards presentation.
Anne-Marie Bravo, Virtual and Blended Academy, Perris Elementary School District-Perris, CA.
Allison Clark, Paloma Elementary School, Temecula Valley Unified School District-Temecula, CA.
Catherine Hilger, Vicentia Elementary School, Corona Norco Unified School District-Corona, CA.
Nicole Matthew, Old River Elementary School, Knightsen Elementary School District-Knightsen, CA.
Kellie Welty, Creekview Ranch Elementary School, Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District, Rosevilla, CA.
Erin Westover, Terrace Elementary School, Alvord Unified School District-Riverside, CA.
Virtual 2019-2020 Awards presentation.
Suzanne Bethel – Meadow View Elementary School, Bellevue Union School District, Santa Rosa, Gateway Reading Council-CRA
Brandi Crum – Terrance Elementary School, Alvord Unified School District, Riverside
Karen Eaton – Mary Casey Black Elementary School, Brentwood Union School District, Brentwood
Veronica Perez – Harada Elementary School, Norco-Corona Unified School District, Eastvale
Kathy Sahagian – Alice M. Ellington Elementary School, Azusa Unified School District, Covina
You may contact us by:
Postal mail at:
American Literacy Corporation
900 Sherman Lane
Oakley, Ca 94561
Phone at: (925) 858-6110
Or click the button to email us at questions@amerlitcorp.org
How You Can Help
Thank the teachers who have enriched your life through literacy. Invest in the future by supporting and thanking those educators who have given the precious gift of literacy to our students who will one day be teachers, educators, and leaders in our nation.
Send your tax-deductible donation, (IRS Tax-exempt # 95-4337562), today to support the American Literacy Corporation’s (non-profit) vital efforts. Your contribution will immediately enable this organization to meet goals and help to encourage high levels of literacy instruction in our schools.
Donations can be made directly from your bank app on your phone using the free service Zelle offered by most banks. Direct donations to amerlitcorporg@gmail.com in Zelle.
| Contribution Levels: | |
|---|---|
| Corporate | $1,000 |
| Benefactor | 500 |
| Patron | 250 |
| Sponsor | 100 |
| Supporter | 75 |
| Friend | 50 |
