COLLEGE UPDATES
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Alumna-Founded Nonprofit Accelerates Literacy Learning
SCENES FROM NCE
The Golden Touch Two National College of Education (NCE) alumnae, Anquineice Brown (‘17 M.A.T. in Elementary Education) and Addie Wilson (‘06 M.A.T. in Elementary Education), are recipients of the 2023 Golden Apple Awards. The Golden Apple Awards honor outstanding teachers for having lasting, positive effects on students’ lives and school communities. Since Golden Apple began recognizing outstanding Chicago-area (est. 1986) and Rockford, Ill. (est. 1996) educators annually, NCE has had over 80 alumni receive this prestigious award. Award recipients play an important role in preparing the next generation of teachers by providing instruction and mentorship to future teachers in the Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators programs - programs dedicated to addressing the teacher shortage. Inaugural Brain Trust Meetings In May and October, Dean Theard-Griggs attended NCE’s twice-annual Brain Trust luncheons . This alumni group of district and business leaders serve in the capacity of thought leadership, giving direction for teacher preparation, discussing new ideas in education, and providing support and counsel. nl.edu/national-college-of-education
My studies at NLU and my time as a teacher taught me that early literacy intervention is critical to children’s educational success “ With the help of partners like NLU, we plan to expand into additional schools and communities in 2024, allowing us to reach even more students.” “ - Kristin Fine ‘96, Director of Programs tutoring with Reading Power over nine years ago and have stayed with the organization in various roles, including my current role.
Over the years, Reading Power has modified its program to incorporate current research and best practices in teaching early literacy. Founded in 2003, Reading Power is modeled after Project Prevent, a program developed by National Louis University, and it also incorporates facets of NLU’s Reading Recovery program. Reading Power, Inc., an early literacy tutoring program working one-to-one with elementary school children in North Chicago, Waukegan, and Zion schools was co-founded by National College of Education alumna Mary Jane Hender ‘03, Ed.D. The Director of Programs is also an NCE alumna, Kristin Fine ‘96, M.Ed., in Early Childhood Education. Reading Power is also led by CEO Lisa Bulzoni ’87, ’05 and Associate Director Viri Perez ’21 .
National College of Education TM NATIONAL LOUIS UNIVERSITY
(Top) Anquineice Brown ‘17 (Bottom) Addie Wilson ‘06
(Top) Attendees in October (L-R): Luncheon host Barbara Schneider ’67, ’76, Mike Lubelfeld ’93,’09, Olga Contreras ’02, Sylvia Peters ’59, Dr. Carolyn Theard-Griggs ’00, dean of NCE, Shaunti Knauth, NLU’s director of engaged research, Beth Minor, NCE’s director of education leadership studies, Anquineice Brown ’17, and 2023 Golden Apple Winner, Gloria McDaniel-Hall, NCE professor of educational leadership Not in attendance: Professor emeritus Carlos Azcoitia ’75 , Denise Bunning ’97, Guy Schum- acher ’91, ’06. (Bottom) Attendees in May (L-R): Luncheon host Barbara Schneider ’67, ’76, Olga Contreras ’02, Shaunti Knauth, NLU’s director of engaged research, Kay Nixon ’96, ’04, Michael Leppen ’74, Merryl Brownlow ’18, Sharon Burstein ’74, Dr. Carolyn Theard-Griggs ’00, dean of NCE, Mike Lubelfeld ’93, ’09, Marcus Campbell ’16
(L-R): Viri Perez ‘21, Associate Director, Kristin Fine ‘96, Director of Programs and CEO Lisa Bulzoni ‘87, ‘05, at NLU’s 2023 spring alumni reception.
About her involvement with Reading Power and inspiration from NLU, Kristin Fine says, “My studies at NLU and my time as a teacher taught me that early literacy intervention is critical to children’s educational success, especially in underserved communities. That’s why I started
The non-profit is seeking volunteers to tutor pre- kindergarten through second grade students. Tutors commit to once-a-week tutoring (2-3 hours) during the school year. No experience necessary; a love for children and reading is required; initial and ongoing training is provided by reading professionals.
Learn more and apply: readingpowerinc.org or email Kristin Fine at kristin.fine @ readingpowerinc.org
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