Teri Knapp

Knapp’s innovative teaching idea, “Text to Speech,” focuses on helping elementary students with reading disabilities or those who are English Language Learners develop reading independence and confidence. Traditionally, these students rely on an adult or peers to guide them through readings. This method results in feelings of helplessness, frustration and anxiety. To combat this and arm her students with self-efficacy, Knapp plans to utilize the Voya Grant to provide her students with C-Pen Reader devices. These special pens scan text and read it back to the children, while also giving a visual. The pen gives children the freedom to read independently and expand their understanding of the content for themselves and not distilled by another. Knapp hopes to foster motivation and confidence in her students who are at a disadvantage by giving them the tools to succeed.