literacy champions program

Christine Polk is recognized for her leadership skills in the field of adult and workforce literacy and for her innovative approach in using technology to improve how literacy skills are taught. Her onsite "Active Learning," curriculum model bridges the gap between literacy education and work-related communication training.
Contact Christine Polk.

DIANA BARBARO
Literacy Teacher
Suffolk County House of Correction
Boston

For the past 15 years Diana Barbero has helped adult incarcerated males improve upon their reading levels and parenting skills. Diana exemplifies a literacy champion through her advocacy, intelligence, creativity and commitment to those whom she serves.
Contact Diana Barbaro.

CHAR CAVER
Adult Education Teacher
Project Hope
Roxbury

A respected advocate for adult education, Char Caver connects education with the ability to positively impact family, community and society. Understanding the correlation between self-esteem and learning, she has developed and adapted curriculum to help women succeed.
Contact Char Caver.

DONNA CYCZ
Elementary Grade 4 Teacher
Newton School
Greenfield

A veteran classroom teacher, Donna Cycz uses her experience and knowledge to bring exciting and innovative learning opportunities to the students and parents in the Greenfield Public Schools. She is an inspirational model for her colleagues and for the greater Greenfield community.
Contact Donna Cycz.

SILJA KALLENBACH
Director New England Literacy Resource Center World Education Boston

At the NELRC, Silja oversees professional development for adult educators through interactive workshops, courses and publications related to adult learning. We recognize Silja for her ground-breaking contributions to adult literacy education in areas including multiple intelligences, civic participation and ABE-to-College Transition.
Contact Silja Kallenbach.

MARILYN ANTONUCCI
Instructional Leader Specialist
Springfield Public Schools
Springfield

Marilyn Antonucci's extensive teaching background and research in family literacy, coupled with staff workshops and her sound approach, have become key links to the success of the literacy program in the Springfield community. We recognize Marilyn for her leadership ability and her willingness to share her expertise with others in her field.
Contact Marilyn Antonucci.

SONIA WALMSLEY
ESOL Teacher
The Literacy Center
Attleboro

As an immigrant, ever-learning ESOL student and teacher of ESOL, we recognize Sonia for encouraging her adult students to find their voice, to participate in student governance, and to share their expertise and talents as volunteers themselves.
Contact Sonia Walmsley.

PEGGY RAMBACH
Author and Resident Writer/Teacher
The Healing Arts Initiative

Peggy Rambach reaches out to an underserved population that includes elders, long-time care patients, family and professional caregivers, recovering substance abusers and prison inmates. We recognize Peggy for her persistence and skillful ability to create a successful learning environment in which her students thrive
Contact Peggy Rambach.

JUDY LANGLEY
Technology Coordinator
Literacy Program of Greater Plymouth
Plymouth

Armed with degrees in applied mathematics and chemical engineering, Langley has demonstrated how a literacy technology center could be successfully integrated with an existing adult literacy-tutoring program - a unique model for a public library. We recognize her for her innovative approach to literacy through technology.
Contact Judy Langley.

MARGARET BOYKO
Executive Director
Top Floor Learning Inc.
Palmer

Margaret Boyko’s business acumen and natural leadership abilities, combined with her passion for literacy, have led to the development of a model adult literacy education program supported by local business and the students themselves. We recognize Margaret for her acute awareness of the literacy needs of the community and for her skill in meeting those needs.
Contact Margaret Boyko.