How One Teacher is Fostering the Joy of Reading at LEAD Cameron: Celebrating Excellence During Read Across America Week
As we celebrate Read Across America Week, we want to highlight exceptional educators who are making reading come alive for students. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Cheryl Morse, an electives teacher at LEAD Cameron whose intentional approach to reading intervention is yielding remarkable results.
A Personalized Approach to Reading Intervention
Mrs. Morse, who teaches piano and music, also leads a Tier 1 reading intervention class with a thoughtful and student-centered methodology. What sets her approach apart is her consistent, daily check-ins with students about their book choices. These aren’t just casual conversations—they’re strategic touchpoints that serve two critical purposes: gauging student interest and assessing comprehension.
During these check-ins, Mrs. Morse listens to students whisper-read and asks them to provide synopses of what they’re reading. This simple but effective practice allows her to evaluate both their engagement with the material and their understanding of it.
“Consistency is the key. The only way to get better at anything is to practice,” said Morse. “There are strategies to practice that are more than just repetition.”
“If a student can’t read, they can’t do much else. We must make it a priority.”
Data-Driven Decision Making
What makes Mrs. Morse’s approach particularly effective is how she combines these personal interactions with concrete data. By integrating information from interim assessment data trackers and MAP reading assessments, she’s able to help students select books that hit the sweet spot—challenging enough to promote growth and engaging enough to foster genuine interest.
Measurable Results
The impact of Mrs. Morse’s methods is evident in the classroom. Students are not only completing more books than before, but they’re also demonstrating deeper comprehension and—perhaps most importantly—developing a true love for reading.
One of the most telling signs of success? “Notably, several students who initially resisted reading during this time are now avidly working through an entire book series,” said Sam Krhut, assistant principal of instruction at LEAD Cameron. That transformation from reluctance to enthusiasm represents the ultimate goal of any reading program.
Mrs. Morse not only talks the talk, but she is a testament to walking the walk when it comes to encouraging the joy of reading for her students. “Lead by example,” said Morse. “Let the students see you lost in a book. I do this every Wednesday after weekly conferences.”
Why This Matters
During Read Across America Week, we celebrate not just the joy of reading but also the educators who make that joy accessible to all students. Mrs. Morse’s intentional practices have transformed her Tier 1 reading intervention space into an environment where students genuinely thrive.
Her approach reminds us that effective reading instruction combines both art and science—the human connection of personal check-ins with the precision of data-informed guidance.
As we encourage reading across America this week, we can all learn from educators like Mrs. Morse who understand that the path to reading proficiency is paved with both structure and enthusiasm.
“Joy is a key element to learning,” she said. Her students are benefiting from this approach and growing not only their skills, but also an appreciation for reading that will carry them beyond the walls of LEAD Cameron.
