ELEMENTARY EDUCATOR AWARD

Kathryn Gilbert

Northview Public School District 

As a district-wide Literacy and Instructional Coach at the Northview Public School District, Ms. Gilbert has been transformative, bridging the gap between research and classroom practice through the successful rollout of the Orton-Gillingham model. She is a master of "calm, can-do" leadership, using her analytical skills to turn data into strategic plans while providing the hands-on modeling and reflective feedback that empowers both veteran and novice teachers. Beyond Northview, Ms. Gilbert’s influence extends statewide through her work with Michigan’s literacy networks, yet she remains a selfless, compassionate presence in her own school community. 

SECONDARY EDUCATION AWARD

Carl Lowe

Adams Middle School

Carl Lowe, is an exceptional choice for this award because he views literacy not as an isolated skill, but as the essential gateway through which students engage with the world. As an 8th-grade U.S. History teacher at Adams Middle School, he masterfully integrates content literacy into his curriculum, using data to ensure every student—regardless of their starting point—can access complex historical texts. His classroom is a dynamic environment where active, research-based methods empower students to find their voices, think critically, and connect their reading and writing to real-world contexts.

Mr. Lowe’s impact extends far beyond his own classroom through his visionary leadership of the National History Day program. By guiding students through rigorous primary source research and high-level academic writing, he inspired the entire Wayne-Westland Community School District to expand the program into its high schools. Whether he is mentoring colleagues as a Building Representative or fostering lifelong learners who return as alumni to support his current students, Mr. Lowe embodies the very best of secondary literacy education. He is a transformative educator who reshapes student outcomes through unwavering belief in their potential.

SECONDARY EDUCATION AWARD

Dr. Mercedes Harvey-Flowers

Crestwood High School

 Dr. Mercedes Harvey-Flowers was awarded, due to her masterful integration of disciplinary literacy into the social studies curriculum at Crestwood High School. As the Social Studies Department Chair, she has moved beyond traditional lecturing to create a classroom environment where students critically engage with diverse text sets, including primary and secondary sources, audio, and visual materials. A pioneer in the Reading Apprenticeship framework, her classroom serves as a model for educators across the country, showcasing how to build student confidence and curiosity through innovative projects.

Beyond her instructional excellence, Dr. Harvey-Flowers is a transformative leader who has been instrumental in piloting and implementing new literacy curricula across her district. Her colleagues and students alike praise her rare ability to make history feel like a compelling story, fostering a welcoming environment where students feel safe to explore complex ideas. Whether she is mentoring other teachers through a multi-year literacy journey or guiding students as the advisor for the Key Club, her dedication to student growth and academic empowerment leaves a profound, lasting impact on her entire educational community.

INDIVIDUAL LITERACY AWARD 

Melissa Brooks-Yip

Teacher Education for Action

Melissa Brooks-Yip, is a transformative educational leader who has dedicated over two decades to advancing literacy through a lens of equity and justice. Her career spans roles as a teacher, mentor, and district leader. During her tenure at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, she founded the Study of Early Literacy, a professional network that empowers teachers to engage in classroom-based action research and collaborative learning. Through her intentional mentorship, particularly of educators of color, she has helped countless professionals transition into significant leadership roles, such as reading specialists and instructional coaches.

Ms. Brooks-Yip is a staunch advocate for students facing systemic barriers, securing critical funding for resources like multicultural lending libraries. Currently, the founder of Teacher Education for Action, she is completing doctoral research on anti-racist pedagogy and teacher identity. Her unique ability to combine rigorous research-based instruction with deep empathy and humanity makes her an exceptionally deserving recipient of the Michigan Reading Association’s Individual Literacy Award.

INDIVIDUAL LITERACY AWARD 

Laura Shultz

Wilkinson Middle School 

Laura Shultz is an exceptionally deserving recipient of our next Individual Literacy Award for her visionary leadership in restoring the Wilkinson Middle School Library. After a decade of neglect, Ms. Shultz revitalized the space by securing grants and building community partnerships. She curated a diverse collection of 3,000 books and personally managed the renovation, from painting to furnishing. The result is a welcoming environment featuring comfortable reading nooks and collaborative workspaces designed to make literacy accessible to every student. Ms. Shultz made it her mission to transform it into a thriving literacy center that now serves as the heart of the school.

Ms. Shultz’s impact extends far beyond the physical library through her innovative efforts to foster a genuine culture of reading. She implemented an electronic checkout system, established a library store where students earn prizes for writing book reviews, and created themed monthly displays that highlight cultural and historical celebrations. By collaborating with post-secondary programs and the school’s art department, she has turned literacy into a visible, community-wide initiative. Her commitment has inspired a tangible shift in the school environment, where it is now common to see students walking through the hallways with books in hand, eager to discuss their latest reads. Through her passion and determination, Laura has ensured that reading remains at the center of student connection and learning.

ADULT EDUCATOR AWARD

Dr. Leah van Belle

Detroit Parent Network 

The Adult Educator Award, goes to Dr. Leah van Belle, a truly transformative leader in the field of literacy, recognized for her unwavering commitment to equity, evidence-based practice, and community empowerment. As a champion for "literacy as liberation," she has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers for marginalized populations, ranging from families in Detroit to women in the correctional system. Her work is characterized by a rare ability to translate complex research into "humanizing" practices that meet learners exactly where they are, replacing shame with confidence and creating accessible pathways to high-quality education.

Her impact is felt across the entire state of Michigan through her diverse leadership roles, including her work with 313 Reads, the Detroit Parent Network, and as the Editor of the Michigan Reading Journal. Whether she is developing early childhood education courses for the College in Prison Program or advising state-level task forces on family engagement, Dr. van Belle consistently builds bridges between research and reality. She is being honored with the MRA Adult Educator Award not just for her professional achievements, but for her profound belief in the power of literacy to change lives and her relentless drive to ensure that power is available to everyone.