This article originally appeared in the Summer 2021 edition of the Gaynor Gazette. Walking through the halls at Gaynor, you may hear some “o-o-o’s” and “a-a-a’s.” Those aren’t monkeys you’re hearing — they’re students working on their vowel sounds and getting valuable reading practice with Reading Specialist Kristi Evans. Kristi has always wanted to be an educator, and she loves being able to positively impact students at Gaynor. We sat down with Kristi for the latest installment of our “Five Questions With…” series to learn more about why she loves helping children read and what she’s passionate about outside of the classroom.

1. How did you start working at Gaynor, and have you always wanted to work in education?

I was working as a reading specialist in a mainstream school and decided I could reach more children in a specialized setting. For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be an educator. As a young girl I would play “school” in my grandparent’s attic. Because my grandfather was a high school history teacher, I was never lacking school supplies or textbooks to play with.  

2. Why did you decide to work as a reading specialist?

When I was working as a first grade classroom teacher, an opportunity arose to take Orton-Gillingham classes. Once I completed them, I began teaching reading using the Orton-Gillingham approach. Because I saw the tremendous impact I was making on each student’s life, I changed the trajectory of my teaching career and enrolled at Teachers College, Columbia University, to get my reading specialist Masters Degree.  

3. Do you have a particular story you remember about a student?

I will never forget the resilience my students had when we transitioned to an all virtual model. As we explored this new normal, we tried different ways to keep the lessons engaging. In one reading group, we transformed our homes into a campsite after reading the story Mystery at Bear Lake. Students pitched tents, made pretend bonfires and roasted marshmallows!  

4. What is the Community Learning Center, and why are you dedicated to its mission?

The Community Learning Center (CLC) is a free, after school reading program for first and second graders in New York City public schools that was started in 2007 by Lower Division  Director Donna Logue. Educational Evaluation Associate for Admissions Kate Adlin and I have been co-directing the program for the last eight years. I love that I work at a school that offers an invaluable experience to our neighboring public schools’ students and is committed to community service. The Gaynor teachers in the program have made such a positive impact on our CLC students. One CLC parent described her child’s experience as “winning the lottery.”  

5. What is your passion?

Professionally, I’m passionate about being a reading specialist and continuing to grow as a teacher, mentor, and coach. Personally, I love animals and have always had rescue dogs. We rescued our dog, Johnny, from See Spot Rescued, an organization I continue to support and work with to this day. I was afforded the unique opportunity to combine my love of dogs with my job as a reading specialist by participating with the R.E.A.D. therapy dog program at Gaynor. As part of the R.E.A.D. program, our students got to practice reading aloud to an audience of therapy dogs.