2007 USA Today All-USA Teacher Team includes
Model Classroom Certified educator

"Welcome to Billingsville Elementary—a school surrounded by respectful and responsible adults and student learners whose energy is contagious, and where a widely diverse sea of smiling faces is ready to welcome you," said Amber Larkin, a Reading Model Classroom Certified fifth-grade teacher.

This is a perfect example of why Larkin is so popular at this Charlotte, North Carolina school—she radiates positive energy. She also consistently helps those reading below grade level to get back on track by using Accelerated Reader to her fullest advantage. Her efforts have also attracted attention at a national level—Larkin was one of 20 educators named to USA Today’s 2007 All-USA Teacher Team.

"Being named to the 2007 All-USA Teacher Team has been an amazing experience," Larkin said.  "I feel humbled and so honored to be named with such incredible educators. I often am in disbelief because I know I still have so much to learn and am constantly changing my teaching techniques and strategies."

Larkin hones her pedagogical skills by listening to seasoned educators who share her passion for teaching. The recent National Conference on Accelerating Learning provided Larkin with ample opportunity to connect with other teachers and share success stories. "I am always eager to learn new ways to approach things. There are so many great teachers out there with so many great things to offer.  Keeping up with new ideas and strategies is essential to running an effective classroom," she said.

"Every one of my students comes to fifth grade reading below grade level. Accelerated Reader is an area where they can be successful because they are able to select books of interest at an appropriate level," Larkin said. "Now that procedures are in place, AR runs itself. The students are completely capable of being successful on their own, but it is my responsibility to check reports for performance and develop remediation and enrichment strategies for continued reading success."

For the past three years, Larkin’s classroom has achieved Reading Model and Master Classroom Certification. "I first pursued Certification because I wanted my class to get recognition for becoming such great readers!” Larkin said. "They did most of the work—I was just there to monitor and provide encouragement along the way. Accelerated Reader has so greatly contributed to the success of my classroom, and I feel honored to be a Certified educator!”

Larkin emphasizes the importance of reading practice to improve her students’ literacy skills. "If you want to be a better free-throw shooter, you practice free throws. The same holds true for reading: to be a good reader, it takes practice, and AR provides a structured opportunity for that practice."

To read the USA Today article about Amber Larkin,
visit www.usatoday.com/news/education/2008-02-10-charlotte-teacher_N.htm

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