New Mexico

Public Education Department

300 Don Gaspar
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501-2786

Dr. Veronica C. García
www.ped.state.nm.us

Secretary of Education

Jennifer Chavez

Public Information Officer

505.476.0393

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:  December 28, 2005

Reading First Program in Partnership with the College of Santa Fe and Voyager University

New Program Will Enroll over 350 Teachers and Reading Coaches in a Teachers’ Reading Academy

Santa Fe—The Public Education Department’s New Mexico Reading First program in partnership with the College of Santa Fe and Voyager University is offering a Reading Endorsement program for all K-3 Reading First classroom teachers and reading coaches.  The Reading First Teachers' Reading Academy will enable teachers to take courses on-line from wherever they live.  The Teachers’ Reading Academy, starting this January, will enroll over 350 teachers and reading coaches.  Principals may take the Voyager 5 Basic Elements of Reading course for free.  Tuition, registration, books and materials are all covered by New Mexico Reading First fund. 

Secretary of Education, Dr. Veronica C. García said, “The Reading First Teachers' Reading Academy will be part of the lasting legacy of New Mexico Reading First. Part of making schools work means providing highly qualified teachers in the classroom.  I am excited about this program which, in the end, will provide New Mexico with a state-wide cadre of highly trained and endorsed reading teachers." 

Both the College of Santa Fe and Voyager University are offering classes.  Voyager will offer a class in the 5 Basic Elements of Reading, followed by a class in Comprehension.  Each of the Voyager classes will carry 6 credits at the College of Santa Fe as part of the Reading Endorsement program.  The College of Santa Fe will offer a series of courses, also on-line, some of which will be coupled with the professional development being provided by New Mexico Reading First.  New Mexico Reading First is in talks with other New Mexico colleges and universities to expand the Teachers' Reading Academy.  Reading First has at least another three years of federal funding.  As the program is currently designed with the College of Santa Fe it allows participants to complete the Reading Endorsement program in a year and a half. 

For more information, please contact Reading First director, Dr. Lana M. Paolillo at (505) 827-6673 or lana.paolillo@state.nm.us

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