We are so excited to announce a new addition to the Words Alive team: our new Family Program Manager, Faryl Kander ! Read on to learn more about Faryl and what she’s bringing to Words Alive.
Faryl’s professional interest in education began when she learned about the inequities that exist in our education system and wanted to work to find a solution. She became a Teach for America teacher working in multicultural urban environments with linguistically and culturally diverse children and families. Faryl’s love for teaching developed into roles as a literacy coach, teacher educator, and most recently a Title I Reading Specialist. Faryl believes that all children deserve a quality education and is committed to authentic and meaningful practices that develop readers and writers. She firmly believes an education that enthuses a love of reading supports students in becoming deep and critical thinkers who will change our world. Faryl received her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University, a M.Ed. with a concentration in Educational Leadership from the University of San Diego and holds a B.A. degree in English from San Diego State University.
Now, a few words from Faryl!
What intrigued you about Words Alive? Why did you want to join Words the team?
When I learned about Words Alive, it’s mission and programs, I couldn’t believe it was true. I was intrigued that a nonprofit understood the importance and significance of supporting and understanding kids as readers, rather than simply focusing on skills-based reading approaches. I had been in professional roles as a classroom teacher, literacy coach, reading specialist, and studied literacy in-depth as a teacher educator responsible for reading and writing methods courses, but this important distinction was often sidelined in classrooms or schools due to external constraints (mandated curriculums, limited resources, etc.). I wanted to join the Words Alive team because they offer a dynamic edge within the educational space operating from the perspective of what literacy can be. Words Alive was also exactly where I was at in my professional journey in that I wanted to transfer what I had learned in my career to another industry or sector.
What are you most excited about in your new position?
At Words Alive I get to do all my favorite things: work with children and families, grow with dedicated professionals, and serve in a way to contributes to the greater good as a society—all while reading amazing books! I am excited about being able to make a difference in authentic and meaningful ways because of Words Alive belief in an asset-based approach to the work we do. I am also excited about opportunities to further connect, learn, and grow with our San Diego literacy community partners.
What is your relationship with literacy and learning?
I have always been a very curious and deep thinker looking to make sense of the world around me. Some of my favorite childhood memories are going to a library or bookstore, immersing myself in the stacks of books, coming home, and being so engrossed in reading that I didn’t want to put the book down. Being able to get lost in a book or story I think is one of the greatest gifts. Reading has taught me about new cultures, perspectives and allowed me glimpses into history and the future. Literacy (reading and writing) has provided me with a safe space to learn more about myself and others. For me, literacy as a tool for learning is where hope and possibility live.
What are you currently reading?
My stack always includes a beachy fiction read, YA, something personal growth oriented, and a read aloud with my daughter. Currently that includes People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, All American Boys by Jason Reynolds, Wonder by R.J. Palacio, and The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel.
We are so excited to have Faryl on our team! Are you interested in working with Words Alive? You can find employment and internship opportunities here.