Thomas Jefferson and Edison elementary schools recently received the 2026 Governor’s Science of Reading Champions Award.
Perry Elementary School was also a Lake County school selected for the award this year.
According to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, Gov. Mike DeWine developed the award to recognize schools that are demonstrating strong implementation of evidence-based instructional practices aligned to the science of reading and where students are making significant progress.
The 2026 class of awardees includes 109 schools across the state, according to the department. Schools that are selected as awardees will receive a school building banner and may be contacted for a site visit to receive their award, and recognition.
This recognition reflects each school’s strong commitment to evidence-based literacy practices and the dedication of educators who implement those practices with fidelity every day, said Gina Kevern, director of communications and community engagement for the Willoughby-Eastlake City School District.
“Their work is helping ensure that all students build the foundational reading skills they need to succeed,” she said.
Willoughby-Eastlake Schools Superintendent Patrick Ward has expressed his deep pride in the leadership, collaboration and focus on high-quality instruction by administrators, and teaching staff who made this achievement possible.
“It is a reflection of the commitment the staff made to professional development and training, and to ensuring that they are delivering instruction aligned to best practices to meet the needs of students,” he said.
Ward said the district’s Shared Vision identified academic excellence among priorities and that students will be future-ready when they walk across the stage to get their high school diploma, which begins with building strong foundations in the early grades.
“Strengthening our literacy instruction is a commitment to student-centered learning,” he said. “We are ensuring that what and how we teach in our classrooms is engaging, sparks curiosity and develops skills while also building confidence.”