"Daily Reading Is The Key To A Child's SUCCESS In School And In Life."
WELCOME TO THE BRIGHT STARS LITERACY CONNECTION
Terri, who now calls herself the "Literacy Lady", is a 28-year former public school teacher and a community literacy advocate with an undying passion to promote literacy awareness among children, parents, and families. She has taught hundreds of primary-aged students during her years of dedicated service. By doing so, she has gained a ton of expertise, knowledge, and first-hand experience in the field of reading.
Terri's love and desire to promote literacy awareness among young children reached beyond the classroom, which led her to create a successful non-profit literacy organization called the "Bright Stars Reading Club." Its mission was to help 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders, also known as "Bright Stars", develop and maintain a love and interest for reading in a fun and informal setting. It was an impactful two-hour club held on Saturday mornings where Terri developed an engaging program that included interesting read-alouds accompanied with a story lesson, literacy games, recreational reading, art projects, guest presenters, book giveaways, healthy snacks, prizes, and so much more. She solicited the help of a "Star" velous pool of college-bound high school volunteers and other supporters from the community to help run the program. Yes, the Bright Stars Reading Club was Terri's "baby" that was opened to all children in the community and attended by many of her own students during its 11-year reign.
Snippets of Terri's Achievements
Over the years, Terri has organized and executed numerous literacy events and she has presented many beneficial literacy workshops for parents. She has been recognized for her excellence in teaching, as well as her work with literacy awareness from her school sites, school districts, church family, city officials, and congressional members. Her most memorable recognition occurred when she was selected as a top five finalist in a nationwide search for the Ron Clark Academy Teacher of the Year Award. Although she did not win the title, it was an unforgettable experience and an awesome celebration of educators that Terri will cherish forever!
Terri has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, a California Teaching Credential, and a Master's Degree in Education. She and her husband have two adult children, two" Gransonnies" and one "Granddarling" who love books and reading. Terri enjoys spending time with her family and friends, event planning, interior designing, bargain shopping, walking, dancing, listening to music, and of course, reading.