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Greetings from Monica Hiris! I am a Reading Teacher who works with First and Second Graders at our school.  I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from the University of Toledo.  I previously taught junior high special education.  I earned a Master’s Degree in Reading from Bowling Green State University and began teaching at Van Buren in 1992.  My son Zach currently in middle school here at Van Buren School.  I work with First and Second Graders in the Title I program.  The children work with me in groups of six or less children, usually for a half hour a day.  Our work focuses on using reading strategies that will help the children become successful, independent readers. I also work with four First Graders independently in a program called Reading Recovery.  This program also focuses on using reading strategies.  The four children identified as the lowest readers in First Grade participate in this program.  Because each program is tailored to the child’s needs and strengths, the majority of children in Reading Recovery are able to read at average levels in 20 school weeks or less.  At that time the child “discontinues” and another child enters the program.  It is sometimes tough, but always rewarding to observe young children developing into successful readers. First and Second Graders are often very enthusiastic!  I continue to enjoy our journey each year!