Epic!, the world’s largest digital library for kids that reaches over 10 million young readers, is pleased to welcome 250 educators to its Master Teacher Ambassador Program for the 2020 school year. The global cohort of all-star educator ambassadors were chosen out of over 700 applicants, hail from 40 states and represent 12 countries, worldwide. This year’s community of Master Teachers will support fun and safe student learning across a variety of subjects, from reading and literacy to history, geography, the arts, science and math.
At present, only 43 percent of American fourth-graders are at least proficient in reading, and just over half of all nine-year-olds read for fun every day. Yet, according to Pew research, the vast majority of Americans believe communication and reading are the two most important skills students must master to get ahead. Seventy-four percent of teachers see technology as a key way to get students engaged, but recent research suggests teachers must continue to be learners themselves, finding technology that “hooks” students.
To support reading and teachers in the classroom, Epic! for Educators is provided completely free for elementary school teachers and school librarians and provides kids unlimited access to over 35,000 curated, high-quality books, audiobooks, and videos. This year’s Master Teachers teach primarily grades Pre-K-6, although some have experience teaching middle school and beyond. Over half of the group have been practicing in their field for over a decade and includes general education teachers, special education teachers, technology specialists, librarians, ELL educators, administrators, gifted and talented teachers, STEM teachers, reading specialists and occupational therapists.
“Epic! Master Teachers inspire thousands of educators with creative ideas for how to instill a love of reading and learning in and out of the classrooms,” said Jennifer Hart, Educator Engagement Manager of Epic!. “To build a vibrant Master Teacher cohort we looked for influencers including award-winning educators and thought leaders with respected voices among their peers. This year’s group is incredibly diverse, and each teacher chosen has a compelling story about how Epic! has helped transform their classroom and supported countless young readers to overcome learning challenges, worldwide.”
In addition to inspiring educators and students, Master Teachers will influence the future of development of Epic! by providing their expertise and insight through surveys, interviews and advisory groups.
More information about the Master Teacher Ambassador Program can be found by visiting: https://www.getepic.com/master-teacher.
About Epic!
Epic! is the world’s leading digital reading platform for kids, created to nurture a love of reading and learning in children everywhere. Epic!’s award-winning subscription service includes unlimited access to the world’s best digital library for kids 12 and under, encouraging kids to independently explore their interests and develop their passions in a completely safe and engaging environment. Epic!’s library holds 35,000 books, read-to-me books, audiobooks, and videos from 250 leading publishers such as HarperCollins, Andrews McMeel, Macmillan, Sesame Workshop, National Geographic Kids, and Smithsonian. To learn more about Epic!, visit www.getepic.com, or follow Epic! on Facebook and Twitter.
