Congratulations to our Literacy Leaders of 2025!
The Literacy Leader of the Year Award is a prestigious honour that acknowledges the dedication and expertise of Ontario educators. With sweeping changes to Ontario’s Language curriculum, leadership in literacy is needed now more than ever! This award recognizes those educators who have made significant strides in ensuring all students realize their right to learn to read. These individuals serve as beacons of inspiration, guiding the way toward a brighter, more literate future for all.
The Literacy Leaders Awards were presented at the IDA Ontario’s Literacy and Learning Conference on Sunday, April 27, 2025.
Winner: Angeline Humber
Teacher Consultant in the Greater Essex County District School Board
Angeline Humber has been a tireless advocate for structured literacy in French as a Second Language (FSL). Recognizing that FSL students also have the right to learn to read, Angeline proactively reached out to UFLI to collaborate on developing an open-source version of UFLI for French Immersion, resulting in the creation of Son-au-Graphe. This program has provided much-needed structured literacy resources to French Immersion educators across Ontario and beyond. Angeline’s leadership extends beyond program development; she has worked diligently to support FSL educators through professional development opportunities, ensuring that they have the tools and knowledge to support their students’ literacy growth. Known for her kindness, humility, and gentle nature, Angeline’s unwavering dedication to equity and her ability to foster strong relationships with educators have made her an invaluable leader in the FSL community. Her work continues to inspire and transform literacy education for French Immersion students.
Winner: Lori McCaw
Special Assignment Teacher for Literacy at the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board (ALCDSB)
Lori McCaw has been instrumental in the board’s pioneering efforts to implement structured literacy long before the Right to Read report. Lori led the way in building foundational literacy practices across the board, including early reading screening and coaching for Tier 1 and Tier 2 instruction. Despite the challenges of being the sole literacy lead and working with limited resources, Lori has consistently delivered high-quality, tailored professional development for educators across 37 schools. She has supported hundreds of educators in embracing structured literacy and guided them through data interpretation, ensuring that every student has the support they need to succeed. Lori’s leadership has been key in ensuring that ALCDSB remains at the forefront of literacy education in Ontario.
Winner: Janelle Rowlatt
Special Education Resource Teacher at Allenby Junior Public School
Her colleagues say she is “an unrelenting force” whose passion for structured literacy and equitable reading instruction is inspiring real change across her school. This year, Janelle has led the implementation of Acadience Reading Screening school-wide, helped create a digital data wall to inform instruction, developed targeted intervention groups for Grades 1–3, and supported the adoption of structured literacy by modelling lessons, team-teaching, and providing professional development. Known for “asking hard questions” and pushing for decisions that align with best practices, Janelle is a fearless advocate for her students and a catalyst for systemic change. Her patience, deep knowledge, and unwavering belief in every child’s right to learn to read have transformed mindsets and strengthened literacy practices in her school.
Winner: Angela Stefanato
Teacher in the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board
Her colleagues highlight her passion for structured literacy, her commitment to equity, and her exceptional ability to reach every student she teaches. Angela became one of TBCDSB’s first certified Acadience mentors, helping train all K–2 teachers across the board in screening, while also supporting them in setting up effective interventions. She created practical, ready-to-use resources — including a “Week at a Glance” guide for structured literacy in both primary and junior classrooms — to make implementation easier for her fellow teachers. As Angela says, “I get to be a primary teacher. It’s the best job in the world” — a reflection of the joy, purpose, and care she brings to everything she does. Her tireless work, often done on her own time, has strengthened literacy instruction across her board and changed the future for hundreds of students.