Curriculum Associates names 2025 Extraordinary Educators for Excellence in teaching
Curriculum Associates has announced its 2025 class of Extraordinary Educators, a group of 29 K–8 teachers from 15 states recognized for their exceptional use of i-Ready, i-Ready Classroom Mathematics, and Ready programs.
These educators have been selected for their ability to support growth in student achievement through data-driven instruction, innovative teaching strategies, and equitable learning environments.
i-Ready is an online platform for reading and mathematics designed to assess students' needs, provide personalized instruction, and monitor progress throughout the school year.
The program consists of two components: Diagnostics, which identify individual learning gaps, and Personalized Instruction, which tailors lessons to support continuous improvement.
Emily McCann, senior vice president of educator community at Curriculum Associates, highlighted the impact of this year’s honorees, stating:
"The impact these teachers make create ripple effects in their communities and across the country. We are delighted to celebrate these remarkable educators and the transformative work they do for their students. Our Extraordinary Educators, selected from hundreds of nominations and submissions, embody the profound role education plays in unlocking new opportunities for student success."
Highlighted educators
Among this year’s honorees are educators who have effectively integrated i-Ready programs into their teaching practices:
Alyssa Smith, a Grade 4 teacher at Berne-Knox-Westerlo Elementary in New York, uses i-Ready diagnostics and instructional tools to adapt her teaching based on individual student needs. By combining data from assessments with targeted reteaching and mastery checks, she ensures each student progresses at their own pace.
Amanda Gibson, a Grade 4 teacher at College Park Elementary in Mississippi, emphasizes the role of data in creating effective instructional plans. Her use of i-Ready data enables her to design lessons tailored to student strengths and areas for improvement, driving growth throughout the school year.
Dontavius Barkley, a teacher at Hollis Hand Elementary School in Georgia, relies on i-Ready data to develop intentional, goal-driven lessons. He engages students in conversations about their performance, fostering ownership of their learning and motivating them to achieve their goals.
The chosen educators gain access to a professional network of peers, ongoing learning opportunities, and invitations to present at the Extraordinary Educators Leadership Summit and other events.
