Ann Cereghino and Deidre Pribula

Cereghino’s and Pribula’s innovative teaching idea, “Audiobooks Enhance Reading Fluency and Confidence,” will help students who struggle with the task of reading and work tirelessly in order to decode each word build their joy, confidence and belonging with reading and comprehending text. According to the education duo, when students read, they are able to see themselves reflected back at them through the characters and situations in the story, offering the opportunity to expand their worldview and empathy through exposure to other people and cultures. The Voya grant will be used to purchase audio players and audiobooks so every learner, especially those with reading challenges, can fully enter the world of books. By having audio players available, the educators will ensure all students have access to literature by helping eliminate roadblocks due to reading challenges, and all students will have the opportunity to experience the joy and possibility that reading brings.