Three ribbons on a blue background: a yellow ribbon with paper symbolizing personalized learning, a blue ribbon with a rocket representing MTSS strategies, and an orange ribbon with a star.

Every day, teachers and education leaders guide students toward a future lit up by literacy. It’s not always easy, especially for those championing shifts toward programs grounded in the Science of Reading.

That’s why we’re thrilled to celebrate the finalists of the 2026 Science of Reading Star Awards! These awards recognize educators, schools, and districts who go above and beyond to make evidence-based instruction a reality.

Empowering students through literacy

The Science of Reading Star Awards shine a beacon on the champions of literacy—the educators putting research into action.

Studies show that systematic phonics instruction leads to significantly higher achievement, particularly for students experiencing reading difficulties. Literacy instruction grounded in the Science of Reading strengthens critical thinking by building the vocabulary and background knowledge students need to make meaning from complex texts.

But shifting to this instruction is about more than swapping programs—it’s about leading change and inspiring others. With these awards, we celebrate the educators and districts whose innovative approach does just that.

Here are this year’s categories and finalists:

  • The District Captain: For the district that exemplifies strong Science of Reading practices across the board
    • Keppel Union School District, CA
    • Traverse City Area Public Schools, MI
    • DeSoto County School District, MS
    • Colton Joint Unified School District, CA
  • The Literacy Legend: For the school that’s seen significant reading gains among their students school-wide when using the Science of Reading
    • Albuquerque Collegiate Charter School, NM
    • Faircrest Memorial Elementary School, OH
    • Grantsburg Elementary School, WI
  • The Background Knowledge Builder: For showing the world that the Science of Reading empowers students with knowledge, context, and vocabulary from elementary through middle school
    • Sara Allen, Spring Hill Unified School District 230, KS
    • Joy Villahermosa, North Slope Borough School District, AL
    • Jesse Muehler, St. John-Emmanuel Lutheran School, IN
  • The Changemaker: For showcasing exemplary Science of Reading routines and practices, and serving as an inspiration to others on the journey
    • Olivia Eastwood, Dedham Public School District, MA
    • Amy Sell, Lower Dauphin School District, PA
    • Rob Murray, Romeo Community School District, MI
  • The Comprehension Champion: For fostering deep understanding and critical thinking by expertly guiding students to make meaning from complex texts, ask thoughtful questions, and connect reading to their world and experiences
    • Kiera Bridley, Webster School District, WI
    • Sandi Bourque, Ascension Parish School District, LA
    • Rebecca Zandbergen, Kamaile Academy Public Charter School, HI
  • The Data Dynamo: For expertly using data to drive instruction within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports framework, identifying student needs with precision, and implementing targeted interventions that accelerate literacy growth for every learner
    • ZaTaya Rivenbark, Charleston County School District, SC
    • Yaneth Acosta, Buncombe County School District, NC
    • Diana Van Osdell, Northwestern School Corporation, IN
    • Kelly Scheurich, Stratford Public Schools, CT
  • The Language Luminary: For outstanding success in developing the skills and strengths of multilingual/English learners
    • Melissa García, Passaic Public Schools, NJ
    • Maria Monsivais, Cicero School District 99, IL
    • Yessenia Viera, Carthage R9 School District, MO
    • Jennifer Gomez Vallejos, Buncombe County School District, NC
  • The Science of Reading Rookie: For a teacher in their first three years of teaching already making strides with the Science of Reading
    • Johanna Vargas, Grand Island Public Schools, NE
    • Christian Watkins, Cornerstone Prep Denver, TN
    • Marissa Riley, Urbana School District 116, IL
  • The Writing Whiz: For integrating writing instruction with the Science of Reading, cultivating articulate and confident writers through innovative and effective practices
    • Joandra Mendoza, Rome City School District, GA
    • Jennifer Csolkovits, Walton-Verona Independent School District, KY
    • Caitlyn Bacom Dominguez, Cambridge Public School District, MA
    • William Strunk, South Bend Community School Corporation, IN