Brandon Twp.- Patty Ellsworth has made a difference one word at a time.
Several years ago, Ellsworth, a Brandon School District teacher, recognized the need to help youth learn reading and writing? fundamentals of education, says Ellsworth.
‘I saw kids struggling in those areas, and I had a passion to help. I believe all children can learn to read and write’it crosses all content areas in the rest of education.?
The members of the Ortonville Rotary Club recognized her quest and recently awarded Ellsworth a grant for $500 for additional books to update the collection of more than 400 reading recovery books she uses for students in the Brandon District. The Reading Recovery program is a one-on-one program for youth in the first grade
‘Every program is different for every child,? said Ellsworth. ‘Kids come in with different strengths and weaknesses, and I build upon their strength. The program lasts anywhere from 12 to 20 weeks.?
Ellsworth, who also is a literacy coach at Brandon Fletcher Intermediate School, earned a bachelor’s degree from Alma College and a Master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University.