Qwest Washington Supports First Teacher Libraries
November 3rd 2008
Kirk R. Nelson, President of QWEST Communications of Washington (at right in photo, along with MCRF Executive Director Marc Harden, center, and Bob Gravely, Qwest Media relations), presented a $2500 grant to The Mid-Columbia Reading Foundation today to support placement of books in new teacher classrooms in Pasco and Burbank. This grant allows for the placement of 100 grade appropriate books in classrooms of newly graduated teachers in Kindergarten through third grade classrooms within the Qwest service area (Pasco and Columbia-Burbank School Districts). “This year we have had a record number of “First Teacher Library” requests from throughout our service area. Thirty-two brand new teachers have made requests so far this year,” reports MCRF Executive Director Marc Harden. “Request continue to trickle in as more new teachers learn of the program. We could not provide this service without the generous and continued support of Qwest of Washington.” This is Qwest’s third year as a sponsor of the program. Newly graduated kindergarten through third grade teachers are eligible for the new teachers libraries. “New teachers right out of college have very few resources for their classroom, especially books to read with young children. New teachers use these books to help kids not only learn to read, but learn to enjoy reading,” said Traci Blank, Programs Manager for the Mid-Columbia Reading Foundation.” Blank speaks from experience as a former first grade teacher.
Eligible teachers may apply for the libraries by contacting the Mid-Columbia Reading Foundation, 222.7323, or mharden@readingfoundation.org