Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/279010
18 Summer 2014 x AEA Advocate Partnership with Renaissance Dental provides books and funding to NEA state affiliates NEA's Read Across America Grants Boost Local Reading Initiatives There's only one event that will get teachers, principals, school employees – even elected officials – to dye their hair blue, cook up a breakfast of green eggs and ham, or be duct- taped to a wall if it boosts their students' enthusiasm to read. Every year, an estimated 45 million readers join the National Education Association (NEA) to celebrate its annual Read Across America Day. Through a continuing partnership with Renaissance Dental, NEA has awarded Read Across America events grants to 18 state affiliates, including Arizona, for state and local Read Across America events and activities – all designed to motivate children to develop a love of reading. From Arkansas to Wyoming and California to Maine, a total of $133,000 was awarded to 18 states in varying grant amounts ranging from $800 to $10,000. Arizona local association Washington District Education Association received a grant of $9,000 for their annual Read Across America event. The grants provided state affiliates with the funds to purchase books and coordinate reading events with students. Thanks to the generous donation from Renaissance Dental, everyone could be wacky, wild, and read with a child this past Read Across America Day. "Our members come up with some Seuss- tastic ideas to motivate schoolchildren to read, but funding isn't always available, especially with tightening school budgets," said NEA President Dennis Van Roekel. "We want everyone to be in the company of a good book, and thanks to our partnership with Renaissance Dental, more readers – young and old – will continue to make Read Across America Day the nation's largest reading celebration." The partnership between Renaissance Dental and NEA arrived after studies and research found that American students were missing more than 51 million hours of school each year due to oral health problems. Through NEA's Read Across America, 3 million educators are helping to deliver a very important message to students: "2 x 2 + 20 = good oral health and literacy habits." The pledge asks children to brush for two minutes, two times per day, plus NEA's Read Across America AEA President Andrew F. Morrill reads to Heatherbrae Elementary students. Summer.14advo.indd 18 3/14/14 2:58 PM