Gina Behrens is an academic interventionist and instructional coach at Seth Woodard Elementary School in the West Valley School District. Gina is a passionate literacy leader driven to nurture a culture of reading both inside and outside the classroom. She has hosted over 50 family engagement events within her building and school district designed to increase knowledge, confidence, and skills in literacy. She encourages connections with key stakeholders. Board members, district leaders, legislators, university presidents, college athletes, coaches, and mascots are some of the guests Gina regularly invites into the school building to support strong relationships. Gina has secured numerous grants in her efforts to champion equitable access to books for students, families, and classroom libraries. A building and district leader, Gina was the recipient of the Above and Beyond Award in 2021 for her work supporting students, teachers, and families. She has a high level of expertise in the area of reading instruction which she uses to elevate student achievement and lead professional development. Her leadership is also evident in positions she holds on the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) leadership team, the school leadership team, and the child study team. Gina credits her parents for instilling her belief that all students can achieve at high levels regardless of background, special needs, or skill levels and exemplifies the power that building relationships have on student achievement. Gina uses books to grow those relationships. Students flock to visit her abundantly stocked lending library located inside her classroom which is available to everyone. It is not uncommon for students throughout the building to find a hand-delivered book left on their desk with a personal note from Ms. Behrens encouraging them to try a book she selected especially for them. Families express much appreciation for Gina's commitment to academics and her personal connection with students.
