Richland teacher obtains literacy fellowship

Through the Goyen Foundation’s award, Becky Pallone’s work will become part of a worldwide database to help other teachers.
Posted on 09/02/2022
Becky Pallone speaks to the QCSD School Board on August 25, 2022.By Gary Weckselblatt

Becky Pallone, a kindergarten teacher at Richland Elementary School, is the recipient of the Goyen Foundation’s newest initiative, the Literacy Fellowship. The award gives exceptional teachers a stipend to document the literacy teaching taking place in their classrooms.

As part of the fellowship, Mrs. Pallone will share her structured and evidenced-based literacy instruction through videos, student work samples, and photographs to effectively capture these practices for other teachers who are trying to learn how to translate research into practice.

“Teaching literacy is one of my passions,” Mrs. Pallone said. “Quakertown is my community. I live here. I grew up here. For me, if I can change the trajectory of a student, it goes a long way for our community. It’s a slow process but we’re getting there.”

On August 25, Mrs. Pallone was recognized by the School Board for obtaining the fellowship. Her work will become part of a worldwide database to help other teachers. She posts much of it to her Twitter account - @MrsPallone.

“Becky is not only helping all of her students, but she is also helping teachers translate the Science of Reading into classroom practice,” said Kelly Cramer, QCSD’s Supervisor of Elementary Programs. “Becky is knowledgeable about literacy research and theory and is also skilled at translating that research into the classroom. I am excited about her professional journey and the important work she is doing in supporting teachers in moving towards a structured literacy approach.”

Richland Principal Nicole Zuerblis said, “Our district is so fortunate to have Mrs. Pallone share her passion for learning about the science of reading with our students and staff. We are proud of her commitment and well-deserved honor!”

When one of her children was diagnosed with dyslexia, a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words, Mrs. Pallone attended LETRS training at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit and researched education journals.

LETRS, which stands for Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, is a flexible literacy professional learning solution for pre-K to 5 educators, and provides teachers with the research, depth of knowledge, and skills to make a significant improvement in the literacy and language development of every student.

QCSD has had approximately 100 employees, including pre-K to third-grade teachers, English Language Development teachers, coaches, interventionists, and administrators, take a course in LETRS training.

“LETRS training really opened my eyes to literacy instruction,” Mrs. Pallone said. “When you’re a mom and your kid struggles with something, you do everything you can to help them overcome that.”

Gary Weckselblatt, QCSD Director of Communications, writes about the people and the programs that impact the Quakertown Community School District. He can be reached at 215-529-2028 or [email protected].
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