Award for Excellence in
Literacy Instruction
The Memphis Literacy Institute is proud to introduce the
Award for Excellence in Literacy Instruction,
recognizing educators who are fostering exceptional learning environments rooted in evidence-based literacy practices.
This award honors individuals who demonstrate:
deep knowledge of and commitment to evidence-based literacy instruction
proven impact on student success
exemplary leadership and commitment to professional learning
commitment to implementing equitable literacy instruction for all students
By celebrating their achievements, we aim to spotlight the impactful work happening in classrooms and schools, inspiring others to continue advancing the opportunity to read at grade level for all learners.
Eligibility Requirements
Regional Requirement: Applicants must be a current educator working in a school within Shelby County, including Memphis, Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, Arlington, Lakeland, or Millington. Strong consideration will be given to applicants teaching in schools that serve historically marginalized or underserved student populations.
Employment: Applicants must be a current PreK-12 general education, ESL, Special Education, or intervention teacher actively engaged in literacy instruction or literacy instructional support.
Instructional Experience: By the end of the 2025-2026 school year, applicants must have at least two (2) years of experience implementing evidence-based literacy practices as a PreK-12 classroom teacher.
Conference Participation: If awarded, winners must be available to attend the Memphis Literacy Conference on September 19, 2026, to accept the award.
Selection Criteria
Evidence-Based Literacy Practices: Applicants provide evidence demonstrating their knowledge of and commitment to implementing evidence-based literacy instruction.
Student Success: Applicants demonstrate measurable student progress in literacy as a direct result of their efforts.
Literacy Leadership: Applicants demonstrate leadership in advancing evidence-based literacy instruction beyond their own classroom. This may include mentoring fellow educators, leading professional development sessions, sharing instructional strategies, developing literacy resources, or contributing to school- or district-wide literacy initiatives.
Commitment to Professional Learning: Applicants demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional learning in literacy instruction. This may include participating in training programs, pursuing advanced certifications, attending professional development beyond their school’s required training, or contributing to professional learning communities.
Commitment to Equity: Applicants demonstrate a commitment to advancing equitable literacy instruction for all students.
Application Deadline:
June 1, 2026
Three award recipients will each receive:
$1,000 prize
Commemorative crystal award
Book selected by MLI Staff
Public recognition at the 2026 Memphis Literacy Conference
Congratulations to the
2025 Award for Excellence in Literacy Instruction
winners!
Campus School
3rd Grade ELA & SS
“Effective literacy instruction is both science-driven and heart-led—it demands knowledge of research-based practices and a commitment to meeting students where they are, with compassion and respect.”
JESS MOORHEAD
Alcy Elementary
Kindergarten ELA
“Ultimately, I see literacy instruction as a pathway to empowerment. My role as an educator is to open that path for every student, especially those who have been underserved or underestimated.”
APRIL NORMAN
Treadwell Elementary
2nd Grade Dual Language
“I encourage and provide opportunities for plentiful interaction with children's literature, including its rich opportunity for vocabulary, background knowledge, oral language development, and joy. And, as a teacher of MLLs in a two-way bilingual classroom, I draw attention to the similarities and distinctions between English and Spanish.”
PARKER SCHRAMME
