Meet Kristine Gerhart - Reading Specialist

Snugglybug Books is fortunate and proud to have found a certified reading specialist, Kristine Gerhart, who will be collaborating with us to bring parents, teachers, grandparents, caregivers, anyone who is committed to helping the children in their lives learn to read. 

Kris will have her own blog where she will post information and helpful ideas on how best to encourage your children to read. She also welcomes any questions you may send to her about your own situation or challenges. Please let her know if she has your permission to openly post your question so the Snugglybug family members and others visiting the website can also learn or if you need a personal response from Kris.

GET TO KNOW KRIS GERHART 

As a kid I loved to read! My dad was a voracious reader, but only on two subjects: racecars, and World War II. 

I graduated from high school, went on to college and started a family.

When my family was grown, I realized I needed to finish my Bachelor’s degree, so I went back to school at a junior college and found out I was setting the curve in my classes. Why? Because I was a reader.

I was successful and secured a job as a school teacher but was surprised and a little shocked to find out that many of my peers became teachers because as children they hated reading. However, this was one of the driving forces and fueled their determination to help their students. 

I decided that I needed to pursue my passion for teaching and determined to share my love of reading with students so at the ripe old age of 44, I began work on my Master’s degree. 

I received a reading endorsement with my MAEd degree and one of my professors recommended me for an adjunct faculty position with NAU.  For 10 years, I taught reading endorsement classes to amazing teachers here in Phoenix. 

I was also a State Reading Specialist with the Reading First initiative in Arizona and continue to be a certified Acadiance assessment trainer. 

I recently finished my teaching career in the Dysart District in Surprise, Arizona.  

On a personal note, my passion for fostering a love of reading extends to my five grandchildren. They have been successful in their school careers because they love reading. I am proud to say that I am part of the reason that they do. 

Now that I am retired, I have the time and still have the passion to help young children learn to read and foster a love of reading that will last a lifetime.   Let’s take this journey together. Please send me any questions you may have and I encourage you to check in to read my blog.

I always believe….READERS MAKE GREAT LEADERS!