Other Literacy Awards

Bee Medders

ACRA Board member and author, Bee Medders, has been recognized for her Outstanding Contributions to Literacy by the American Literacy Corporation (ALC). Bee was chosen for this award for being an enthusiastic teacher who creates an environment of success where students are excited and motivated to learn. ALC is also honoring Bee for her service as a leader in her school, district, and community.

Bee is a teacher at Pioneer Elementary in the New Haven School District as well as the author of Mindful Classroom Design. Filled with colored photographs, practical suggestions, tips, and unique tools, this simple guide provides what you need to make any classroom (or office) a happy and ideal place to teach and learn. The book can be purchased on Amazon.

Melissa West

ACRA Board member, Melissa West, has been awarded the Margaret Lynch Service Award by the California Reading Association (CRA). CRA is honoring Melissa because she has made outstanding contributions in the field of literacy.

One way Melissa supports teachers is by introducing teachers to the various possibilities of using the same mentor texts in both writing and reading. She has added informational texts in her school’s library and has worked with the teachers to increase the times that students and teachers interact with nonfiction texts. Melissa has also lead teacher book clubs where teachers collaborate around professional books that help them refine their instructional skills as they earn college units.

Melissa is vice principal at Amador Elementary in the Dublin School District. ACRA is fortunate to have Melissa’s expertise and leadership on its board of directors.