Congrats, to Family Literacy Coordinator Anne Abbott: 2025 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year Runner-Up.

We are so thrilled to spotlight this amazing achievement by our beloved Family Literacy Coordinator, Anne Abbott! She was nominated for the 2025 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year award and was named their runner-up. We are so thrilled that she is a member of our team and that her extraordinary contributions to family learning have been recognized on this national level.

Since 2008, Anne has impacted 200+ adults and 300+ children through Family READS, a program for English language learners, helping parents support their children’s education. She began as a one-to-one tutor and now serves as our family literacy coordinator. Anne has trained over 60 volunteers, fostering ongoing community engagement. Her innovative lessons have resulted in 95% of participants reporting increased engagement with their children’s education, as shown in post-program surveys. She creates an inclusive space where families strengthen literacy together. Her partnerships with libraries, schools, and community groups provide lasting support. She tracks progress through assessments and follow-ups, ensuring measurable impact. Anne persistently recruits and supports parents, even those hesitant to engage. Her leadership and passion make Family READS a model for inclusive learning and have created a lasting impact, making her a standout educator deserving of national recognition.

Anne consistently innovates to expand Family READS and reach more families. Recognizing barriers like transportation, childcare, and language, she partners with libraries, schools, and community agencies to bring classes into trusted, accessible spaces. She created a second-semester curriculum with new school-focused themes to deepen engagement and offer families continued learning. To address tech access gaps, she integrates digital tools into lessons and connects families with device lending through the “Bridge to Digital Learning” initiative. She also offers flexible scheduling, evening classes, and family meals to boost participation. Her outreach is personal and persistent - connecting with families through WhatsApp, school referrals, and home visits. Anne’s ability to adapt with empathy and innovation ensures the program continues to grow in reach, relevance, and impact. 

English language learning adults with education in their own country tend to actively seek out programs such as this one and Anne goes above and beyond to reach out to and effectively serve and support those parents who may not have literacy in their own language. She develops excellent rapport and builds confidence with all the families, as manifested in the number of parents who continue to be involved in our other educational programs. One of her early Family READS grads participated in our English classes and this year passed her US citizenship exam!

Thank you for all you do, Anne!