Dr. Craig Carson

2023 Linda Dorn Literacy Leadership Award

In memory of Dr. Linda Dorn and to honor her legacy, each year the Missouri Association of Reading Recovery Educators will recognize a leader who has successfully coordinated systemic change and, as a result, has helped districts attain high student achievement.

Dr. Craig Carson, Assistant Superintendent of Learning, Ozark School District, is the first recipient of this award and exemplifies Linda Dorn's passion and model for school change.

“Craig Carson is a very strong advocate for Reading Recovery and Comprehensive Literacy. He understands the role of the site coordinator, central office administrators, and building level administrators in ensuring the successful implementation of literacy in our schools. Dr. Carson recognizes that the central office administration’s support goes beyond the financial dollars. The support he provides includes professional development for his building level administrators with a focus on best practices for literacy. He also has high expectations for himself – participating and learning with administrators, instructional coaches, and teachers. Dr. Carson has been instrumental at our state level in ensuring our voice was heard both at the legislative level and the department of education level. He is firm in his beliefs and understandings and will speak out even when in the minority." - Dr. Karen Scott

Susan Blackburn

2024 Linda Dorn Literacy Leadership Award

In memory of Dr. Linda Dorn and to honor her legacy, each year the Missouri Association of Reading Recovery Educators will recognize a leader who has successfully coordinated systemic change and, as a result, has helped districts attain high student achievement.

Susan Blackburn, Columbia Public Schools, has been a champion for Reading Recovery as a teacher, a Teacher Leader, and a Board of Education member.  As a result of her support in all of those roles, she has impacted our school district by teaching many students, training and supporting teachers who continue to strive for excellence in instruction for the most struggling students, and has helped to build a Reading Recovery site which perseveres. 

“Susan was a champion for her teachers and encouraged us to grow professionally…Susan’s knowledge and expertise provided a counterbalance to personal agendas and competing financial interests and helped our district maintain a focus on reading achievement instead of subskill mastery."

“A short letter couldn’t begin to capture all of my appreciation for her vision, leadership and support.  The best result of her labors is knowing that our most striving first graders in CPS are still receiving the best quality literacy instruction from highly trained reading specialists.” 

“Throughout her three years of tenure on the board, literacy instruction remained at the forefront of her mind.  At every stage of Susan’s professional life she has been a true literacy leader… Susan, in the spirit of Linda Dorn, continues to use her voice to advocate for Reading Recovery and outstanding literacy instruction for all wherever she goes.”