AEA President
Andrew F. Morrill, pictured with
the Cat in the Hat and Phoenix
Elementary EA member Rosalinda
Ramirez, reads to classrooms
at WestPark Elementary and
Kenilworth Elementary schools to
celebrate Read Across America.
AEA Advocate | Summer 2015 21
More than 9,000 special stovepipe "reading"
hats, books, and other goodies to promote
reading, totaling more than $100,000, were
distributed during NEA's tour and signature
events, which included visits to high-needs
schools. NEA provided $15,000 in library grants
to support the schools visited during the NEA's
Cat-a-Van Reading Tour.
The tour also promoted the kick-off of
Dr. Seuss's "Kid, You'll Move Mountains"
nationwide search for kids ages 5—18 who
excel in the areas of STEAM—Science,
Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. NEA
has partnered with Dr. Seuss Enterprises on
this exciting search that celebrates the 25th
anniversary of Dr. Seuss's last book, Oh, the
Places You'll Go! This contest recognized
and celebrated children nationwide who are
living the message of this book. Visit www.
kidsmovingmountains.com to learn more and
see this year's winners.
"Incorporating STEAM into reading activities
builds bridges that strengthen learning all
year long," said Fran Bellinger, a physical
education teacher in Kaneohe, Hawaii, who
heads the NEA's Read Across America Advisory
Committee.
"Good education inspires students' natural
curiosity, imagination and desire to learn,"
added Eskelsen García. "Of all the things we
teach our kids, the most important is a love of
learning, and when they unlock that potential,
oh, the places they'll go!" n
For more information about NEA's Read
Across America, visit www.nea.org/readacross
or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
neareadacrossamerica.
