Nominations are now open!
Nominations may be submitted until March 1, 2026
JMU Literacy Alumni Award
- Graduate of JMU's Literacy M.Ed or Certificate program
- Practices innovative literacy teaching and learning
- Promotes literacy engagement within their school, district, or the Commonwealth
- Recognized as a literacy leader in the school and/or community
- Nominations now open by clicking here
Literacy Teacher of the Year Award
- A Virginia educator working in elementary, middle, or secondary classrooms; a reading specialist; a media specialist; or a district leader
- Practices innovative literacy teaching and learning
- Promotes collaborative literacy engagement within the school, district, or the Commonwealth
- Advocates for effective, research-based literacy practices for all learners
- Note: Degree from JMU not required.
- Nominations now open by clicking here
Literacy Leader Awards 2026
This year's Literacy Leader Awards event will be on March 26th from 4:30-6:30pm in Memorial Hall, room 6110.
Our featured speaker is Children's Author, Steven K. Smith (https://myboys3.com)
Blending Mystery with History to Inspire Young Readers
Steven K. Smith, middle-grade author of twenty books including The Virginia Mysteries, Brother Wars, and Final Kingdom series, reveals strategies for reaching young readers and families through story. Drawing from 12+ years of writing and independent publishing experience, Smith shares his author journey, strategies for hooking readers through the Virginia history in his books, and ways to inspire student writing. A Richmond-area dad to three high school/college-age boys, he sold over 500,000 copies and spoken at 250+ elementary/middle schools and literacy events. His latest, Conspiracy at the Launch, weaves mysteries around NASA, space, and Virginia sites like Wallops Island and Langley Research Center. Learn more at stevenksmith.com.
2025 Winners
Educational Specialist-Middle School Literacy
Literacy Instructor
Harrisonburg, VA
Past Winners
2024 Winners
JMU Literacy Alumni Award winner, Summerlynn Thompson (left), Principal of Upper Walker Elementary School (Charlottesville, VA)
Literacy Teacher of the Year Award winner, Liz Benbow (right), Reading Specialist at Stuarts Draft Elementary School (Stuarts Draft, VA)
2023 Winners
JMU Literacy Alumni Award winner, Amanda Grover (left), Reading Specialist at Skyline Middle School
Literacy Teacher of the Year Award winner, Bobbie Jo Kite (right), First Grade at Elkton Elementary School
2022 Winners
JMU Literacy Alumni Award winner, Cicely Shelton-Barnes (left), Elementary Reading Specialist and Elementary Librarian, Charlottesville City Schools
Literacy Teacher of the Year Award winner, Dr. Laurel Sviatko (right), 8th grade English at Thomas Harrison Middle School in Harrisonburg, VA.
