Educators, advocates, and community leaders gathered at the Georgia State Capitol on December 16 for the first annual “Georgia Literacy Night.” The event was cohosted by Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives John Burns and his wife Dayle Burns, Senate Committee on Education and Youth Chairman Sen. Billy Hickman and his wife Jo Ann Hickman, and House Committee on Education Chairman Rep. Chris Erwin and his wife Laurie Erwin. The Georgia Literacy Council partnered in organizing the evening to focus attention on early literacy efforts across the state.
Sen. Billy Hickman addressed attendees, emphasizing the importance of improving literacy outcomes for students. He stated, “It’s time we build a system that truly supports our children’s literacy skills. We cannot allow students to graduate without the ability to read and then expect them to succeed in the world. Seeing so many committed advocates under the Gold Dome made it clear that literacy is a top priority throughout the state. I see this event as both a celebration of progress and a preview of the work ahead this upcoming legislative session.”
The program featured remarks from Malcolm Mitchell, former University of Georgia football player and Super Bowl champion, who discussed how reading influenced his life and highlighted why early reading support is crucial for student achievement.
Andri Pilgrim, a member of the Georgia Council on Literacy who led planning for Georgia Literacy Night, spoke about learning from exceptional teachers: “We not only want to celebrate the best teachers in Georgia, but, most importantly, learn from them so we can replicate their success. We are going to identify, listen, and learn from the top reading teachers in Georgia. These excellent teachers are reaching all types of students with a range of challenges in both life and with reading. If we do not recognize, celebrate, and learn from teachers who are excelling in teaching reading, what are we telling all educators?”
Funds raised during the event will benefit literacy educators through contributions to the Georgia Foundation for Public Education.
Further details about initiatives by the Georgia Council on Literacy are available online.
