2006 Donald H. Graves Writing Award Winner

Kimberly Gombola is the fifth recipient of the NCTE Donald H. Graves Writing Award. She is a first grade teacher at Dranesville Elementary School in Herndon, Virginia.

"Teaching the writing process to young children is essential in developing literacy skills such as reading, speaking, listening, visually representing, and of course, writing. I believe teachers develop their beliefs about writing by experimenting with a variety of teaching methods and finding an effective combination of professional resources and natural teaching skills. I experienced a few trials before I fell in love with my personalized Writing Workshop time."

Read more of Kimberly's award winning essay!    (PDF)

Award Overview
Established in 2001 by Donald H. Graves, this award annually recognizes teachers in grades 1-6 who demonstrate an understanding of student improvement in the teaching of writing. The award is administered by the Elementary Section Steering Committee of NCTE which selects an award recipient from the portfolios and essays submitted during the year.  MORE . . .