A Conversation with 2009 READ 180 Outstanding Educator Nancie Brennan

• PRINT
• EMAIL

Nancie Brennan has been a READ 180 teacher and coordinator for four years. In that time, she's demonstrated an exceptional commitment to striving readers, improving reading and turning students' lives around. Earlier this year, she was named the 2009 recipient of the READ 180 Outstanding Educator Award. We recently asked Nancie to reflect on her experiences with READ 180 and share her thoughts.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of teaching READ 180?

The most rewarding aspect of teaching READ 180 is seeing students excited about reading! Many of my students say that they have never read a book on their own until READ 180. They are amazed at how many books they read in a year. It's neat to see my students actively involved in discussions with our Library Media Specialist at school, having conversations with their peers about books, and purchasing books for their collections.

Tell us about your most remarkable READ 180 moment.

Outstanding Educator, Nancie Brennan

There are too many to mention. Memorable moments are created each day in the classroom. Students get excited about their Lexile® growth, their progress on the software, or finishing a book. I hope my students will never forget their READ 180 experiences. Their confidence levels are high. They feel good about their abilities and about themselves. Each of my kids has provided a memorable moment for me.

Outside the classroom, I would have to say my most memorable READ 180 moment was when I received an email this past spring from a former student. She said that she had passed the written portion of her driver's ed. temporary license test and she didn't need any help with it. She did it all on her own and thanked me for teaching her how to be confident about her reading abilities. That was cool.

Another was when my colleague, Nancy Bristol, and I took our READ 180 All-Star (David Boucher) and his family out for ice cream one night. David had been recognized by the Green Bay Public School Board and we wanted to celebrate his award. It was so great to chat with his family about David's accomplishments. As a teenager David was a bit embarrassed that his parents were out with his teachers, but by the smile on his face we knew he also thought it was pretty special.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of teaching READ 180?

The most rewarding aspect of teaching READ 180 is working with my students and other teachers. Taking a non-proficient reader and giving him/her the tools and instruction to move to the proficiency range is really exciting. The growth I see in reading and writing is amazing. I don't think many of my students realized the power and beauty of written words. This past year, nine of my students' poems were selected for publication. I was amazed what flowed from their pens.

Working with other READ 180 teachers is also very rewarding. I learn so much from the other teachers in my school and district. I am lucky to work with such giving and intelligent individuals. They make me a better teacher.

What’s your secret to success with READ 180?

Nancie Brennan with her class at READ 180 Recognition Night at Edison Middle School

READ 180 is an outstanding research-based program, but what really makes it powerful is the human aspect of the program. Building respect, trust, and positive relationships with students is the key to success. When students are given opportunities for success they realize their potential. The teacher-student relationship is not only the key to READ 180, but to education.

How do you keep students motivated?

My energy level is pretty high. My students often wonder what I would be like without my caffeine in the morning. Making the classroom safe, inviting, and fun is what keeps my students motivated. In turn, my students' sense of humor, smiles, and energy are what keep me motivated.

How do you get students excited about starting READ 180?

I want students to be excited about being in the READ 180 class. My administrators are so supportive in helping me create such a positive environment. Recently, the other READ 180 teachers at my school, the principals, and myself, had a READ 180 Recognition Night for our students. Students and their parents came to celebrate all of the great things happening in the READ 180 classroom. Each student received an award, a free book, and a meal to enjoy with their families. It was really special.

Other ways we get students excited is by contacting them before school begins, creating a cool classroom environment, and beginning on Day 1 with appreciations. I tell my students how lucky I am to be their teacher and how much they will grow with this program. We discuss how everyone has different abilities and that we need to respect each other. The community we create is safe. Everyone feels welcomed and valued. They know the READ 180 classroom is a special place for them.

What's your favorite READ 180 book?

They are all so good! If I had to choose one, however, I would have to say The Outsiders. I didn't read the book until I became a READ 180 teacher! The Outsiders is the book that really pulls my hesitant students into the independent reading area. Once they finish this book they see how powerful reading is and they always want to read more.

Who's your favorite READ 180 author?

I really enjoy Pam Muñoz Ryan's work. I love the way her writing flows. Esperanza Rising is another favorite in my classroom. Many of my students relate to this story. You really become attached to the characters in her books.

I also heard her speak last year and loved her sense of humor. She is not only a powerful writer, but a very engaging and dynamic speaker.

Where do you like to read?

I love to read in my rocking chair on my front porch. I know if sounds like I'm an old lady, but I love to be outside when I read.

READ 180 Community Newsletter - Summer 2009
Nothing Else to Say But Thank You! With summer rapidly approaching, we at Scholastic and READ 180 want to thank you for what you do every day to raise reading achievement and turn around the lives of students. What you accomplish is incredible. Thank you!

A Conversation with Dr. Marilyn Jager Adams and Dr. Ted Hasselbring, Principal Scientists for System 44
A Conversation with Dr. Marilyn Jager Adams and Dr. Ted Hasselbring, Principal Scientists for System 44, appearing in the READ 180 Community Newsletter, Fall 2008.

LESSON PLAN	Let's Learn About Firefighters! Presents a lesson plan focusing on fire safety and prevention through reading, writing, and brain storming sessions.
UNIT PLAN	Time Travel Writing Assignment using A Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury Use this unit plan to take advantage of students' fascination with technology, by having them prepare and execute a PowerPoint presentation.