Burgess Foothills Distinguished Teacher of Reader

Distinguished Teacher of Reader Award

The Distinguished Teacher of Reading Award Program is SCIRA’s initiative to recognize educators who promote a love for reading in their students.  The recipient of this award receives recognition at the SCIRA reading conference, a certificate and gift from SCIRA, and the opportunity to share best teacher practices in literacy with other educators in the state of South Carolina.  Teachers and administrators can nominate qualified colleagues for this prestigious award.  Nominators must explain evidence of the positive impact on student reading and application of innovative reading techniques that the nominee demonstrates.  A reading panel reviews the nominations and scores them. The award recipient was announced at the Foothills Reading Council Meeting at Ravenal Elementary School on November 9, 2010.  Kim Brock, 4^th grade teacher at Wren Elementary and 2008 Distinguished ReadingTeacher of the Year, nominated Mrs. Wendy Burgess for this year’s award.  Brock states, “It is with great honor that I recommend Wendy Burgess for SCIRA’s Distinguished Reading Teacher of the Year.  Mrs. Burgess’ dedication and service to students make her the perfect candidate for this honor. “ 

"What a privilege to be named Distinguished Reading Teacher for the Foothills Reading Council.  I know that there were many deserving candidates nominated for this prestigious award. There is no greater award than the smile on a child’s face when they begin to read. A Chinese proverb says that a book is like a garden carried in the pocket.  The thrill of watching students grow their ‘reading garden’ is a wonderful experience.   Teaching students to read and to love reading prepares them to face the world with confidence and to be successful.  I am thankful that I have the daily opportunity to plant strong readers and future leaders. 

Mrs. Burgess will represent Anderson School District 1 and the Foothills Reading Council at the South Carolina International Reading Association’s Conference 2011 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Mrs. Burgess will share some of her innovative reading ideas through a visual display.

Photo (left to right):  Mrs. Martha Butts, Foothills Reading Council President, presents the Distinguished Teacher of Reading Award to Mrs. Wendy Burgess, Wren Elementary School teacher.