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Literacy Champion Award

10th Annual Literacy Champion Awards

A Literacy Champion is a local classroom educator who has gone above and beyond to improve early childhood education in our community. Now in its 10th year, the Literacy Champion Awards are presented to two educators teaching in preschool through 3rd grade.

Nominations are now open and close Sunday, November 16th. Please note, our nomination process has been updated. While self-nominations are no longer accepted, we encourage applicants to reach out to an advocate to submit a nomination on their behalf. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at literacychampion@unitedwaytucson.org.

Open nominations will require responses from both the nominator and the teacher being nominated.

Sign up to receive information on nominating a 2026 Literacy Champion:

A Literacy Champion is a local classroom educator who has gone above and beyond to improve early childhood education in our community. Now in its 10th year, the Literacy Champion Awards are presented to three educators teaching in preschool through 3rd grade. Sign up to receive communications about next years Literacy Champion and get ready to nominate your own!

Congratulations 2026 Winners!

Rebecca Garcia

Manzanita Elementary School
Catalina Foothills School District

Rebecca Garcia is a Reading Specialist at Manzanita Elementary School, and an exceptional literacy leader whose holistic, student-centered approach transforms the way children experience reading. With a background that spans early childhood education and advanced literacy training, Rebecca brings deep expertise and intentionality to every aspect of her work. Her instruction is engaging and responsive. Grounded in careful observation, data-driven decision-making, and a genuine understanding of each child’s unique needs.

Rebecca’s impact extends far beyond direct instruction. She leads schoolwide literacy efforts, including reading interventions, progress monitoring, and professional learning for staff, ensuring strong and consistent practices across classrooms. She partners closely with parents to explain student progress and equip them with practical strategies to support reading at home. Her classroom and schoolwide initiatives foster confidence, joy, and a true love of reading among students.

A tireless advocate for literacy, Rebecca continuously deepens her practice through ongoing learning and leadership, including pursuing her doctorate and advancing statewide literacy collaboration. Her passion, empathy, and unwavering belief that every child deserves to thrive as a reader make her an inspiring educator and a powerful champion for early literacy in her school and community.

Lindsey Gilchrist

Prince Elementary School, AMPHI School District

Lindsey Gilchrist, a 2nd Grade Teacher at Prince Elementary School, is a true literacy champion whose expertise and passion create lasting impact for students, families, and colleagues alike. Grounded in LETRS training and the Science of Reading, Lindsey brings research-based practices to life through engaging instruction that makes vocabulary and comprehension memorable for young learners.

She fosters a literacy-rich environment where reading is woven seamlessly throughout the day across subjects like math, science, and social studies, and where every child is met with intentional instruction tailored to their individual needs. Beyond her classroom, Lindsey serves as Chair of the Family Engagement Committee, designing joyful literacy-focused events that connect families to learning through interactive activities, free books, and practical at-home support.

A collaborative leader and mentor, Lindsey generously shares her knowledge to strengthen schoolwide literacy practices, guide colleagues, and support new teachers. Her unwavering commitment to the belief that every child is a reader makes her an exceptional educator and an inspiring force in early education.