Illinois Teacher’s Very Fun Ways to Get Middle Schoolers to Love Reading

Getting young people to love reading can often be one of the most difficult tasks for teachers and parents.

Every week during the school year, we get the joy of honoring a teacher for the special connections they make with their students and families.

I can't think of any achievement I've appreciated more as a parent than a teacher getting my children to love reading.

That's what makes me extra happy to acknowledge this South Beloit, Illinois teacher.

Congratulations to 97ZOK's new 'Teacher Of The Week'

Kelli Houghton from Willowbrook Middle School

Kelli was nominated by two of her students, Mallory and Anna:

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"Mrs. Houghton is super kind, always there for you, and not just a teacher. If you need help and tell her that within days or even hours she is going out of her way to help you. She was recently nominated to win a Golden Apple, and she made it to the Top 20! I had no doubt that she would make it there. Since she is a funny loving teacher. One of my favorite teaching things that she does is each month she puts a new challenge up on the board. Last month it was if your class completed a book in January you got to set off a confetti cannon. This month you get to go on a blind date with a book you choose. Also, she teaches in a fun way. She is not just a boring teacher that does not switch it up. She does something new at least once a week. Therefore Mrs. Houghton should win the Teacher Of The Week."

Listen to Kelli tell The Steve Shannon Show about those two 'Reading Challenges' mentioned in the Teacher Of The Week nomination letter.

As 97ZOK's Teacher Of The Week, Kelli Houghton was surprised with a beautiful floral arrangement from Broadway Florist and a delicious cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes.

Kelli shared pictures of the people who make her life tick, her family, and her ELA team of teachers.

You can nominate your favorite teacher right here.