Congratulations to our 2024 Award Winners

Jessica Koerner is a dynamic and student-centered teacher, serving her 4th grade students at Alvarado Elementary School in New Haven Unified.

Ms. Koerner is a leader in her school community. She currently serves as the AES Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum Leader, serves on her site’s Instructional Leadership Team, and has taken on an organizational leadership role for multiple school events. She is also a mentor to new teachers.

In the classroom, Ms. Koerner is inclusive and responsive to all types of students and circumstances. She goes above and beyond to make her literacy lessons engaging, and celebrates her student’s literacy efforts through classroom, whole-school, and community celebrations. Ms. Koerner is creative, equity-minded, and has undoubtably had a profound impact on literacy instruction in our community. ACRA is proud to honor Jessica Koerner with the David H. Russell Award.

Penny Yee is an inspiring and dedicated reading interventionist at Pioneer Elementary School in New Haven Unified.

Ms. Yee has served in this role at Pioneer for multiple years. She provides tailored support to students across different grades, specifically targeting those who are struggling. She provides tier 2 small group reading intervention for second, fourth and fifth grade students. She provides instruction on reading comprehension, fluency and reading strategies.

When asked about their experience with Ms. Yee, many would say she is an inspiration. She puts aside her time in retirement to come back to support struggling readers. Given the positive progress of her students, Ms. Yee exemplifies the qualities of an inspiring and effective educator. Her hard work and reliability have undoubtedly contributed to a supportive learning environment at Pioneer Elementary, fostering a positive impact on student achievement in reading. ACRA is proud to honor Penny Yee with the Walter J. McHugh Award.

The Fremont Friends of the Library, a non-profit 501c3 volunteer organization, was established in 1965. The Volunteers in Fremont arrive early every morning to check the drop box for withdrawn library books, movies, music, audiobooks, and for donations. They take them to organize for future sales. They maintain the “Book Nook” offerings for their ongoing sales at the library’s entrance. All proceeds from their book sales are given to the libraries to purchase equipment, books, children's programs, and more.

They believe that a good public library is vital to the intellectual, cultural and social growth of our community.

Fremont Friends of the Library raise additional funds at Book Sales held twice a year. Thematic “Pop Up” sales are held monthly. The volunteers are always helpful and cheerful as they encourage everyone from preschool to adults to find appropriate books. ACRA is proud to honor Fremont Friends of the Library with the ACRA Community Support Award.

In order to celebrate achievements in influencing literacy across Alameda County, ACRA proudly offers the following annual awards. Neither nominees nor recipients need be members of ACRA. Please consider nominating a colleague or community group so that we may honor them this year! 2025 nomination forms will be available soon.

The Sybil Hoffman Young Leader Award

In recognition of Sybil Hoffman’s years of encouraging and mentoring leaders in the education profession

Who should be nominated: 
A teacher, administrator, or other certificated person who works in Alameda County, has had their teaching credential less than eight years, and who has demonstrated growing leadership skills is eligible for this award. Such contribution is understood to include devotion of time and energy above and beyond the usual professional obligation to teach children. The nominee need not be a member of any reading association.

A $100.00 stipend accompanies the award, to be used at the discretion of the recipient to improve literacy in Alameda County.

David H. RusselL Award for Excellence in Literacy Instruction

In memory of David H. Russell,  former professor at U.C. Berkeley

Who should be nominated: 
A teacher, administrator, or other certificated person, who has made a significant and outstanding contribution to the improvement of literacy instruction in Alameda County Schools is eligible for this award.

A $100.00 stipend accompanies the award to be used at the discretion of the recipient to improve literacy in Alameda County.

WALTER J. MC HUGH AWARD For ASSISTANCE IN LITERACY INSTRUCTION

In memory of Walter J. McHugh, former professor at CSUH

 In the teaching of literacy, educators rely on the assistance of tutors, aides, and volunteers. We all know people who, by helping students become better readers and writers, have become indispensable to the literacy program. We should take time to honor these very dedicated assistants.

Who Should Be Nominated
Any person assisting educators in Alameda County Schools, such as an aide, volunteer, or student who has a commitment towards the improvement of reading and writing, may be nominated for this award. 

A $100.00 stipend accompanies the award, to be used at the discretion of the recipient to improve literacy in Alameda County.

ACRA Community Service Award

Who Should Be Nominated
Any person or group that is making an outstanding contribution towards literacy in Alameda County may be nominated for this award.