Tennessee Celebrates March Literacy Month

Throughout the month of March, the Tennessee Department of Education invites all Tennesseans to celebrate Tennessee Literacy Month, as proclaimed by Governor Bill Lee, spotlighting the Reading 360 initiative and the focus Tennessee’s educators, families, elected officials, and community partners have on continuing to improve literacy rates for all learners in the state.

The department and Riley the Reading Raccoon will travel across the state throughout the month, highlighting the incredible work happening around literacy including strong foundational skills instruction. Additionally, families can practice reading at home using the Interactive Decodables Books now available on Best for ALL Central.

Celebrations began over the weekend as classrooms and teachers across America and in Tennessee honored Dr. Seuss’s great legacy with Reading Across America Week, taking place March 2-6. Using the hashtags #Reading360, #TNReadingForALL, and #ReadLikeRiley, Tennesseans can engage on social media throughout the month to learn about at-home resources, share their literacy stories, and learn about why Riley the Reading Raccoon loves reading.

“Our educators, families, elected officials, and communities are all working incredibly hard to support our young readers and are committed to fostering a love for reading by providing access to resources and positive experiences in and out of the classroom,” said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. “During this March Literacy Month, I hope all Tennesseans will engage and help us celebrate by opening your books and reading with us!”

Through Tennessee’s commitment to continue and sustain a focus on early literacy, the department is excited to announce the fourth summer of Early Reading Trainings for all educators, instructional coaches, administrators, and educator preparation providers (EPPs). This course builds knowledge about early reading instruction and provides educators a path to develop strong readers. More information will be released soon regarding the dates and locations of the trainings.

Additionally, the department had over 500 district and school leaders, teachers, community partners, and EPPs participate in the virtual TN ALL Corps Tutoring Summit, held February 21-22. During the summit, attendees shared ideas and insights around launching tutoring programs, creating a strong tutoring team, using high-quality instructional materials, and strong tutoring practices for both reading and math.

Learn more here on how Tennessee is equipping teachers, supporting families with accessible resources to practice at home, and engaging with the public to accelerate literacy. Additional resources for families can be accessed here on Best for ALL Central.

For Tennessee Department of Education media inquiries, contact [email protected].