Geff Grade School Community District #14 is proud to announce that Ms. Sherrie Blackford, K-8 Reading Interventionist, has been awarded the Illinois Reading Council’s (IRC) Literacy Support Grant in the amount of $1,500. The grant will be used to purchase culturally responsive trade books to support a project titled Soaring to New Reading Literacy Heights.
Through the program, students and families will explore titles such as Everyone Eats!, Native American Heroes, Paletero Man!, Where Are You From?, I Am Enough, Ruby Bridges, The Word Collector, and many more. The goal is to inspire discovery, strengthen phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, and encourage family engagement through shared reading. Students will also practice communication skills by giving book talks and sharing their favorite parts with friends and family.
The IRC’s mission is to support and advocate for educators who provide high-quality literacy opportunities that empower lifelong learners. Blackford has been deeply involved in advancing literacy across the district, serving as an Illinois Reads ambassador for the past three years and regularly attending the IRC Literacy Conference. She and colleague Dawn Wiles recently received the IRC 2024-2025 Family Literacy Award for their leadership in organizing the school’s Family Reading Night.
Beyond her classroom, Blackford has helped bring authors, guest speakers, and interactive programs to the community, with themes ranging from beekeeping to quilting and environmental projects. She also studied abroad in Greece this past summer, gaining cultural and educational experiences she plans to share with her students.
Blackford says her hope is to inspire students, staff, families, and community members “to keep reaching for new heights in learning and to create a passion for academic and social-emotional growth—no matter what your age.”
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