Southeast Polk is proud to share that Jr. High Instructional Coach and former Junior High Teacher Librarian Michelle Hukvari has been honored with the Friend of Literacy Award at this year’s Iowa Council of Teachers of English Fall Conference.

This award recognizes individuals who encourage exploration and engagement in literacy by donating time or resources, removing barriers, and supporting readers in meaningful ways. Michelle embodies all of these qualities and more.

SEP High School Language Arts teacher Emily Lewis and Middle School Instructional Coach Crystal Seier each nominated Michelle and spoke on her behalf at the conference. In her nomination, Emily shared:

“Of all of my colleagues and connections, none is more deserving of the Friend to Literacy award than Teacher Librarian Michelle Hukvari. She serves over 3,000 students and staff members at both Southeast Polk Junior High and High School. She is constantly innovating to help students identify as readers. Michelle has seen success in taking literacy beyond the library and beyond the ELA classroom. She has become a strategic partner in the science and social studies departments as well, bringing literacy strategies and support so that our students are receiving accurate and consistent support as learners.”

Crystal spoke to Michelle’s unmatched advocacy for students and her impact on reading culture at Southeast Polk:

“As our Jr. High and High School librarian, she was the first to pioneer the concept of ‘mirrors and windows’ within our reading culture—ensuring that students had access to texts where they could see themselves and also learn from someone else’s perspective. Michelle has also put forth significant time and effort to create book club opportunities for our students…They are coming back to the book club because of the welcoming yet insightful environment Michelle has created.”

In addition to her daily work with students and teachers, Hukvari has created book clubs and reading communities that inspire students to share ideas and build confidence in their voices.

Dr. Jo Ellen Latham, Associate Superintendent at Southeast Polk, shared,

“Michelle has always modeled what it means to inspire a love of reading. She connects students to books and helps them see the power and joy of reading.”

We congratulate Michelle on this well-deserved honor and thank her for the passion, innovation, and care she brings to foster the love of reading in each and every SEP student!