Member Spotlight: Read Across America

MCEA teacher leaders inspired students and families through reading at a Read Across America event held on March 2, 2017. The goal was to celebrate literacy and oral language development with MCPS students, families, and the community surrounding Long Branch Public Library.

This area of the county was chosen for many reasons, including supporting the community’s rebuild after the tragic apartment fire that occurred last year. “Many of the families in this community are living well below the average income range for Montgomery County and providing them with free books is a positive way to build their community as well provide them with materials to help their children read more,” said Gaby Yonker, a teacher at Oak View Elementary.

Tahirah Shider, a teacher at Glenallan Elementary, said, “It is important for the union to be involved in events like Read Across America because it promotes literacy and gets children excited about reading.” She expressed MCEA is invested in the community and wants to help both parents and students have opportunities.  

Over 150 elementary students in the area attended. MCEA members planned reading lessons and led center rotations for each group of readers. There were prizes and Simultaneous English/Spanish translation occurred throughout the event for families to access parent modeling techniques of reading strategies. Materials were provided in both languages and free books were given for everyone present.

“I think the union needs to be involved in the community to show a high regard for academics,” Yonker said, highlighting that supporting this type of activity shows MCEA’s (the union’s) commitment to the teachers and the teaching profession.

Both teachers expressed the importance of being part of events outside of their school. “Having conversations with parents about how they have seen improvements in the child’s reading and the importance of reading was a delight,” Shider explained.

“I see my job as not only working with the kids, but getting to know their families as well. I try to help with things that are not only school related, but life related,” stated Yonker.

Thank you from MCEA to all our teacher leaders who were part of this amazing event:

Nikki Woodward- MCITP

Tahirah Shider- Glenallan ES 2nd grade teacher

Gloria Ralph- Glenallan ES 1^st grade teacher

Gabby Yonker- Oak View ES ESOL teacher

Udochi (Doch) Amachi- Oak View ES 5^th grade teacher

Cecilia Pak-Nessan- Primary Development Talent Trainer and Roscoe Nix ES 2^nd grade teacher

Shauntae Fitcheard- College Gardens ES 2^nd grade teacher

Carissa Barnes- Stonegate ES Resource Teacher

Dionna Ricks- Jackson Road ES ESOL teacher

If you wish to be part of future activities such as this, there are many ways to get involved through the union. Please contact your building representative or MCEA UniServ Director to learn more. You can also visit our web site: www.mceanea.org .

The event was hosted by MCEA, the Long Branch Public Library, and Growing Together Inc. CASA, AASAAG, SEIU Local 500, MCGEO UFCW Local 1994, MCCPTA, Impact Montgomery College students, and the NAACP Parents’ Council.