2023 Reading Teacher of the Year

Posted: June 22, 2023

Debra gives her acceptance speech during the Awards Ceremony. Her family attended the ceremony and are pictured here with Debra and her plaque.

Our 2023 Reading Teacher of the Year is Debra Wake of Midlands of Iowa Reading Council. Debra currently serves Fremont Mills Schools in a teacher-librarian capacity and is a 27 year veteran Title One Reading and Reading Recovery Teacher, K-6. She is currently engaged in the Early Childhood Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling and its professional development. Debra also works to advance school technology by applying for grants and working with the AEA to bring new technology to her district. She has exposed students to technology such as coding when they would not have otherwise been given the opportunity. She has an uncanny ability to see the potential in her students and the people around her. She has shared her love of books, stories, and poetry not only through teaching, but with co-workers, other

professionals, librarians and her community.  Debra has actively served her local council as vice president, president-elect, and president, as well as Poetry Chair for over ten years. She works diligently to maintain and increase membership in an organization she truly believes in. She brings in new ideas with a contagious enthusiasm. She served as Iowa Reading Association State Poetry Chair and was one of the first “co-presidents” to serve the association. Their well-planned and executed 2016 state conference was full of energy, outstanding presenters and keynote speakers.Quote, “When I think of people that exude a love and passion for reading, Debra Wake would be at the top of my list. Her ongoing support for local and state reading organizations, continued lifetime learning by attending conferences and classes, and overall joy of teaching others about reading makes Debra a perfect…Iowa Reading Teacher of the Year.” (Heidi Strangl).

Congratulations, Debra!

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