Reading Recovery Remembers Senator Edward M. Kennedy

The Reading Recovery Council of North America will never forget the leadership and support of Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Tributes from across the nation and the world have reminded us of the breadth of legislation he sponsored in health care, education, labor, disability, justice, foreign policy, energy, and defense. He is remembered as a statesman and champion for government’s role to improve the lives of its citizens.

While the loss of Senator Kennedy is broadly felt, it is also personal for many who counted on his leadership. Those in Reading Recovery were touched by his understanding that education can change the future for individuals and nations. Our community is honored and proud to count him among those who recognize and support the importance of early interventions such as Reading Recovery. He understood Reading Recovery’s effectiveness both in providing excellent professional development for teachers and in its remarkable results for first graders who struggle in early literacy. He was both vocal and visible in his support for Reading Recovery.

Senator Kennedy’s courage, wisdom, and leadership will not be replaced, but his spirit endures and will guide us in our continued creation of excellence in early literacy instruction. His own words are inspiration in the face of our loss, “For all whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die. “

Linda Dorn, President
Reading Recovery Council of North America