Kurt Steinhaus, the designated secretary of the Department of Public Education, is caught reading in his office in the Apodaca building. Steinhaus has named this year the Year of Literacy across New Mexico. To kick off the celebration, the department launched a #GetCaughtReading social media campaign. Courtesy / NMPED

NMPED News:

SANTA FE – The 2021-2022 school year will be the Year of Literacy across New Mexico, and everyone is invited to find unique ways to celebrate reading, the Department of Education announced on Tuesday. public.

Kurt Steinhaus, who will assume the post of Secretary-Designate for Public Education on August 20, has proposed Literacy Year as a way to engage all New Mexicans in the most essential skill to unlock education.

“Reading is the key to learning. It’s an essential skill that really broadens your horizons in any direction, ”said Steinhaus. “It’s not just for schools and students, it’s for everyone. We want all of New Mexico to be part of the celebration of literacy that honors the rich cultures of our state. “

In 2019, only 34 New Mexico public school students in reading were rated “proficient and superior” in reading.

“The Year of Literacy is an important reminder that until every child in New Mexico can read at grade level or above, our education system will not serve our state as it should,” said Ryan Stewart, who is stepping down as secretary of public education for the family. the reasons. “We have to be a state of avid readers, and we will only get there when students see their role models reading for information and reading for fun.”

The Year of Literacy will feature participatory events, starting with a “Get Caught Reading” campaign.

To participate:

• Families: Take a photo of your child reading alone or with other family members and send it, along with a caption, to [email protected]

• Teachers: Take a photo of how you promote reading in your classroom and send it, along with a caption, to [email protected]

• Businesses: Take a photo of how your business promotes reading or access to quality books and materials and send it, along with a caption, to [email protected] .we.

The public education department will use the photos on social media with the hashtag #GetCaughtReading and for other Literacy Year events.

The department is also looking for partners to organize book drives, create small free libraries, and provide mentoring and tutoring opportunities. Email [email protected]us to express your interest or offer other ideas.