Why LEER?
The need in the Española Valley to improve literacy is great. A student who cannot read on grade level by 3rd grade is four times less likely to graduate on time (American Education Research Association). According to the NY Times May 13, 2026 article about reading abilities nationwide, students in Espanola are reading three grades below where they should be. THREE GRADES BELOW WHERE THEY NEED TO BE.
eSTAR (to be)
In all the STARS Programs of LEER we work towards 5 guiding values:
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Kind
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Generous
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a Learner
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Brave
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Responsible
How Can You Help?
There are two key factors to improve reading abilities: access to books and reading help and support. Low-income households have nearly half the number of books in the home as higher income households. Income levels also differentiate book borrowing habits, with more affluent families more likely to borrow books from their local library (Scholastic). Here's how you can help:
1) Become a Reading Buddy
A caring, vetted, and trained adult provides a supportive environment for a child to improve their reading skills, build confidence, and foster a love for reading, especially if they are struggling or lack motivation to read on their own. Someone who believes in you helps you believe in yourself. Help children read books at their level while fostering a love for reading. Books and materials are provided.
4) Build Little Free Libraries
Access to books is essential to increasing literacy. Little Free Libraries are great ways to provide access to books throughout the community. These kiosk style miniature libraries allow sharing of books. Blueprints are provided but we welcome creativity. This is a great group activity for scouts or UMM.
LEER Team
LEER Director
Kercida McClain
Kercida McClain has a tenured career in children’s advocacy, most recently as the Founder and CEO of the non-profit Project Transformation Rio Texas which served children in Central and South Texas. “I have witnessed first-hand the opening of the world when a child becomes an independent and proficient reader. If you can’t read, you can’t learn. By improving access to books and giving kids reading buddies, we can change the trajectory of their lives." - McClain.
Program Director
Marcela Casaus
Marcela Casaus is a certified elementary school teacher who has worked with children and youth in Northern New Mexico for many years, including as a librarian at the El Rito Public Library, where she ran the Summer Reading Program, and as the Garden Manager/Mentor and Programs Director for the Northern Youth Project. Before teaching, she was certified in Organic Horticulture at UCSC through the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, in which she learned holistic land management and sustainable agricultural practices. She connects her love for children and the natural environment to help them thrive in natural learning spaces, perpetuating curiosity and a desire to learn. She wants to help children discover their gifts, talents, and potential to motivate them to love learning and reading.
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