Read 180 Teacher Honor Goes to Indian Trail Teacher

Jan. 20, 2012 ~ Pam Marra of Indian Trail Middle School has been named the district's Read 180 Teacher of the Year. She will now write an essay about how her classroom benefits students, and submit a student statement for consideration in the National Read 180 Teacher of the Year Award contest.

Marra joined the district as a substitute teacher more than 15 years ago and initiated the Read 180 program at Olathe South High School. Seven years ago she became a Read 180 teacher at Indian Trail.

"The Read 180 program has great support from our counselors and administrators who make sure students are properly placed, which is key in making this program work," she said.

Fellow reading specialist Audra McClelland nominated Marra for the award.

"I would describe her classroom as a 'well-oiled machine,'" McClelland said. "Her kids are on task and doing what she asks of them. She creates fun activities to help them learn new vocabulary that has meaning. Pam is always looking for new ways to help her students understand reading and its importance."

Marra looks at her vocation as a way to help students improve reading and test-taking skills, practice good reading strategies, and learn wonderful life lessons through the text materials. To do that, she makes the most out of collaboration with fellow Read 180 teachers.

"On professional days when the Read 180 teachers get together, I am always grateful to be a part of such a dedicated and talented group," she said. "I walk away from those brainstorming sessions with lots of notes and ideas. All of Olathe's Read 180 teachers are exceptional; I just get the honor of representing everyone this year!"