LITERACY EDUCATION AWARD NAMED FOR JEANINE DOBBINS

Jeanine Larson Dobbins, coordinator of the Missouri Statewide Early Literacy Intervention Program based at Southeast Missouri State University, has had a statewide literacy education award named in her honor.

The executive committee of the Missouri Association of Reading Recovery Educators recently voted to establish the Jeanine Larson Dobbins Early Literacy Education Award, which will be presented annually to people who made significant contributions to literacy education in the state.

The first awards were presented in March. Five recipients, including Linda Robert of the Cape Girardeau School District and Lindsey Minson of the Jackson School District, received a framed certificate and a $100 gift certificate to purchase professional development books on early literacy.

"I have worked in the field of literacy education since 1972, and it meant so much to be recognized by my peers for making a difference in literacy education in the state of Missouri," Dobbins said. "What keeps me going in this career field is that we see growth with both children and teachers in the field of literacy education."

The award recognizes Dobbins' vision to have all Missouri children read at or above grade level in their early elementary school experience. Dobbins has taken her vision to Jefferson City, Mo., and has worked diligently to communicate it to leaders around the state, including state legislators and the late Gov. Mel Carnahan.