‘Every Student Reads’ conference held for Hamilton County educators
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — With the school year fast approaching, Hamilton County Schools held a conference at UTC Tuesday morning to encourage teachers about the importance of early childhood literacy.
“Our community needs what you provide. Because when our kids are better, and they’re literate, and they can read, and think, and make decisions… Our community gets better,” Chief of Opportunity and Access (HCS) Neelie Parker said.
Every Student Reads focuses on launching early literacy for students.
“This is all about K2 foundational literacy skills. And foundational literacy is truly the foundation of children becoming readers. So, we really just want to equip our early childhood teachers with the knowledge and with the tools that they need to just get a good jumpstart when kids come back in the classroom just in a couple of weeks,” Content Lead Reading Specialist (HCS) Candace Baggett said.
The event was a community effort from Hamilton County Schools, Chattanooga 2.0 and the McClellan Foundation
“Our goal even when they come into kindergarten, Pre-K, is college and career ready. So, this is the start of that. And we want them to know that we value them, and we see how important it is for them,” K2 ELA Content Lead (HCS) Leighann Potter said.
Teachers from the district attended the conference to learn skills and concepts approaching their return to school.
“I’ve seen a lot of changes through the year and I’m just glad to see that our county is finally realizing that the foundation starts in the younger grades, and it’s time to focus a lot more on those kids,” 1st Grade Teacher at Allen Elementary Karen McCuiston said.
The conference aimed to improve literacy learning and how early childhood affects development.
Teachers continue to look forward to this school year and how they can best prepare children to become successful learners.
“I’m just excited to get my new class and see the “ah-hah” moments,” 2nd Grade Teacher with Bess T. Shepherd Lynnequia Davenport said.
The two-day conference will wrap up Wednesday.
With the help of local partners, the Hamilton County Schools foundation will present 40 $500 teacher grants for use in the classroom to improve literacy.
