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
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.
Literacy Leader Awards Nominations
2027's Literacy Leader Awards nominations will open in January 2027!
2026 Winners
First Grade Language arts
Reading Specialist
Past Winners
2025
2025 Winners
Literacy Teacher of the Year Award winner (left), Kendall Hunt, Educational Specialist-Middle School Literacy, Henrico County Public Schools; Richmond, VA
JMU Literacy Alumni Award winner (right), Alicia Berry; Literacy Instructor; James Madison University; Harrisonburg, VA
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.
