Loyola’s department of Teacher Education presented Lisa Lewis with its first Literacy Leader Award on June 22. Lewis, a reading specialist at the Baltimore Lab School, graduated from Loyola in 2006 with a master’s degree in education and certification as a reading specialist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Cumberland College.

The award is presented to a graduate of Loyola’s master’s in education program, specializing in reading, who promotes literacy, demonstrates innovation in practice, exhibits principled leadership within the school or community and models lifelong learning as a member of the professional literacy learning community.

Irene Hechler, Senior Program Coordinator at Johns Hopkins Institutes for Policy Studies’ Sar Levitan Center, recently had the opportunity to work with Lewis on an after-school literacy program in Baltimore City.

“Lisa helped two faith-based organizations gear up and provide literacy programs for eligible students,” said Hechler. “Her command of literacy development and her capable way of working with providers was definitely wonderful. She is able to translate complicated information in a very practical way.”

Wendy Smith, an education professor at Loyola, applauds Lewis for her contributions to the field of literacy.

“Lisa loves to learn and she loves to share what she is learning in the best possible way,” says Smith. “Lisa is recognized at her school as a leader who cares for each individual child.”

The department plans to present the award annually.