Second-grade teacher Amanda Floto strives to help students discover the joy and power of reading, and for Julia Lamb’s daughter, that’s exactly what she did.
Lamb’s daughter was in small group reading interventions with Floto four days a week last school year at Winget Park Elementary School. By the end of the year, she was meeting milestones and had improved her scores on reading assessments, Lamb said.
“Most importantly for us as parents, though, Lois began to enjoy reading for the first time ever,” Lamb said. “At the beginning of second grade, Lois had a lot of frustration with reading and would start to get upset after reading just a couple of sentences. By the end of second grade, we were making trips to the library to pick up stacks of books that Lois was excited to read.”
That excitement about reading is something Floto wants every child to experience.
“I go the extra mile to make sure my students not only understand the importance of reading but also experience the magic it holds,” she said. “Whether it’s through engaging read-alouds, creating cozy reading corners, or helping a struggling reader find that one book that sparks their interest, I strive to make reading a source of joy and empowerment.”
Floto’s own educational journey was marked by challenges with reading, she said, and that experience shaped her commitment to ensuring that no child feels left behind or discouraged when it comes to literacy.
“My mission is to cultivate a classroom culture where books are cherished, stories are celebrated, and every student feels confident in their ability to read and comprehend,” Floto said. “Watching them light up when they connect with a story or master a new word is the most rewarding part of my work. It reminds me why I chose this path and fuels my dedication every single day.”
For Lamb’s daughter, that dedication made all the difference.
“I still see and hear Lois using the techniques and tools Ms. Floto taught her while she reads not just books at home, but also signs, menus, etc. while we’re out in public,” Lamb said. “Ms. Floto is definitely a Reading Hero to our family!”
