Local Woman Wins National AARP Award for School Volunteering

NRTA : AARP’s Educator Community has awarded the 2013 With Our Youth! Dedication Award to Brenda Leider of Mountlake Terrace, WA.  Brenda is recognized for her outstanding work with the Marysville School District English Language Learner Penpal Program.

For the past five years, Brenda has volunteered with local students by sharing a book and corresponding activity.  Her approach involves helping the students make a real world connection between reading and writing.  Brenda does this by providing “extras” such as decorating cookies, cutting snowflakes, or planting seeds.

“We are honored to provide the NRTA 2013 With our Youth! Local Dedication Award to Brenda Leider,” said Dara Dann, Vice President of NRTA: AARP’s Educator Community.  "She deserves this award because of her commitment to helping children become enthusiastic readers and writers. Brenda is making a real impact in the lives of children learning English in Washington.  Even in retirement, she has an endless drive and commitment to give back to her community,” Dann continued.

Providing an activity with books offers a connection to the stories, reinforces lessons, and ensures the children have fun.  As a result, her students are becoming more proficient at English, increasing their attention span, and improving their listening skills.

NRTA: AARP's Educator Community is America's foremost network of 50+ adults and organizations with a passion and affinity for education and learning. Members of NRTA are dedicated to continuous educational opportunity, advocacy, and service as a means of safeguarding the economic security, work opportunities, and future well-being of all generations.  Founded in 1947 by retired educator Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, NRTA has a membership of more than one million active and retired higher-ed and K-12 educators and school personnel at the local, state and national level.