Danielle Asmus and Mercedes Alonso

Asmus’ and Alonso's creative teaching idea, “Classroom Library Enhancement Project,” is designed to elevate the quality and quantity of reading materials for the Academia Antonia Alonso Charter School, whose mission is to promote child-centered and family-oriented education. Founded in 2014 with a vision for innovative child-centered and family-oriented education, La Academia has grown into a thriving community of student learners that promotes second language acquisition while acquiring grade-level content for grades K-8. Due to limited financial resources, most of the school’s population lacks access to abundant reading materials at school and at home. To remedy this, the academic support staff has conducted extensive research to create a library wish list that will support the diversity of its learners academically, socially and emotionally in each of its 44 classrooms. With the help of a Voya Unsung Heroes grant, the school will be able to build a vibrant library of literature that will foster a love of reading among all of its students.