Closing the Literacy Gap: How One Mississippi Educator Is Making a Difference

In 2024, the average reading score for the nation at grade 4 was 2 points lower compared to 2022 and 5 points lower compared to 2019 (NAEP). Mississippi, however, turned its reading scores around, now exceeding the national average—despite having the highest rate of poverty in the U.S.  

Behind that success are educators who will do anything in their power to close the achievement gap. One of those dedicated educators is Susan, Reading 2 Succeed Project Manager in Starkville, Mississippi and a passionate First Book Member.

Meeting Students Where They Are 

Starkville, home to Mississippi State University, is a is a vibrant community with many English language learners. Families in the district speak dozens of languages, including Spanish, French, Arabic, Bengali, Somali, and more. 

Susan has seen firsthand how access to bilingual books can make a student feel seen and welcomed after only a few interactions with non-English speakers.  

“There was a little girl from Russia who spoke no English, and just cried and cried. I bought the Russian books on the First Book website and her face just lit up,” she said.  

Building Support Systems 

Susan’s school district serves around 4,800 students across eight schools, and engaging the families of these students is a major aspect of Susan’s work.  

 Through literacy nights, open houses, and book giveaway, Susan gives families the opportunity to bring books home, sometimes choosing a single title for an entire school or letting children select books themselves.  

“Building home libraries happens one program, one event at a time,” she said. 

Books Beyond the Classroom 

Mississippi’s progress is often called a miracle, but Susan knows it’s the result of hard work, persistence, and a commitment to meeting families where they are.  

“Without dedicated, creative professionals, policies would just be words on paper,” Susan said.  

Through her work with several national organizations and First Book, Susan has made books more than accessible to kids in need. Her programs provide “for-keeps” books that children can call their own and multilingual titles that reflect the vast range of backgrounds in Starkville, Mississippi.  

This Teacher Appreciation Month, we’re expressing our deepest gratitude to educators like Susan, who bring creativity, persistence, and empathy to their communities every day.  

Join the Network

Educators can join First Book’s Network — the largest online community of individual educators, professionals and volunteers dedicated to supporting children in need across North America — to bring new books, educational resources, and supplies to their classroom or program.