Evans, Ga () Talk about getting off to a busy start in the very first grade of your academic career. Courtney Hester’s students were spending time on structured literacy when we stopped by.

“Structured literacy is phonics,” Hester says. “It follows the science of reading for brain development. So this is our phonics block that teaches kids how to read and spell.”

They even get to play in little sandboxes. Mrs. Hester says it’s a kinesthetic, sensory way to teach them how to read. They learn so much during their time in here.

“The end of the year is my favorite time, just to see how much they’ve grown. They come in as basic kindergartners and leave as fluent readers and fluent writers.”

And parents, as good as the team is here at Greenbrier Elementary, they still need your help.

“Reading does not just happen in the eight hours of the school day. It really is also at home. We have great parents here. They read with their kids. We send home stuff to practice with them to read and they really do take it seriously and continue the learning outside these four walls.”

Congratulations Courtney Hester. A dedicated educator who knows she is right where she’s supposed to be.

“I can’t even describe it,” she says. “But I feel very blessed to be able to be called to this ministry. I do believe it’s a ministry. Giving of my gifts and talents to help shape other kids’ lives, and knowing that one teacher can turn a kid’s life around.”