EPS School Specialty, the leading provider of PreK–12 supplemental literacy solutions, is pleased to announce that Catherine LeCleir-Salas, K–5 Instructional Specialist at Cumberland County Public Schools, was named a finalist in the 2023 eSchool K–12 Hero Awards for her outstanding implementation of S.P.I.R.E., an EPS reading intervention program based in the Science of Reading.
“As staff and students at Cumberland County Schools look to the future, Catherine DeCleir-Salas’ dynamic legacy as a trailblazing educator will undoubtedly continue to shape their progress and ensure their success,” said Janine Walker-Caffrey, the Chief Product Officer at EPS. “LeCleir-Salas’ remarkable ability to turn challenges into opportunities, unite educators, and equip students with the tools they need makes her more than deserving of this award.”
The K–12 Hero Awards is a platform dedicated to recognizing and celebrating exceptional educators nationwide, and LeCleir-Salas’ approach is representative of the exceptional educators honored within the program. Rooted in the Orton-Gillingham methodology, S.P.I.R.E. aligns with the North Carolina Excellent Public Schools Act of 2021 and supports beginning readers, striving readers, and students with dyslexia. As the district transitioned to S.P.I.R.E., DeCleir-Salas was a constant source of support and encouragement for educators, caregivers, and students—dedicated to creating a holistic environment where every learner can thrive. As a result of DeCleir-Salas’ efforts, S.P.I.R.E. achieved tremendous success, boasting a teacher participation rate of 85 to 90 percent.
"At Cumberland County Schools, we believe every student can learn and succeed with the right instruction and environment, and that’s exactly what I’ve sought to do through the Science of Reading and S.P.I.R.E.,” said DeCleir-Salas. “I’m honored for this recognition and look forward to serving and supporting students for years to come”.
To learn more about this news, please visit https://eps.schoolspecialty.com/insights/2023-hero-awards-finalist
About EPS School Specialty
EPS School Specialty has partnered with educators for 75 years to advance literacy as the springboard for lifelong learning and opportunity. Their depth of experience backs their Literacy System, which includes more than 20 solutions based in the Science of Reading supporting grades PreK through 12, all tiers of instruction, and every pillar of reading. Their System, coupled with their customized professional learning services, helps students become stronger readers and writers, and teachers to become more effective literacy instructors. Visit www.eps.schoolspecialty.com to learn more.
About the K–12 Hero Awards
The K–12 Hero Awards are presented annually by eSchool News to honor educators for their exemplary use of innovative edtech to support student learning. Winners are chosen for their commitment to education and their creativity and innovation in helping students continue learning while ensuring they feel safe, empowered, and engaged. For more information about the awards, visit 2023 K–12 Hero Awards.
