Cecelia Gorder

Gorder’s innovative teaching idea, “Taking Reading to New Heights,” focuses on building comfortable reading spaces for the students at Sharon F. Delzer Elementary. With the Voya grant, Gorder plans to construct a reading loft, with the help of the wood shop teacher, local veterans, community helpers, and older students. No other classroom in the school has had a reading loft, a fun and exciting tool to encourage reading. According to Leake’s research, studies indicate high-quality classroom environments help children feel safe, secure, and valued. As a result, self-esteem can increase and students can become motivated to engage in the learning process. As such, the reading loft will become a highly motivating tool.