Reading Coach / Specialist George M. Clement of Minuteman High School in Lexington is Special Guest Speaker at Boston Literacy Event Sponsored by Scholastic

By Judy Bass

Reading Coach / Specialist George M. Clement of Minuteman High School in Lexington was recently the special guest speaker at an event sponsored by Scholastic, the educational publishing corporation, titled “Literacy Leadership Dinner: K-12 Literacy Solutions for College and Career Readiness.”

The event was held May 1 at Lucia Ristorante in Boston.

Clement earned this honor because sophomore Afnan Khan of Belmont, one of the students at Minuteman whom he worked with to improve her reading skills using Read 180, a Scholastic program, was just named a Read 180 All-Star by Scholastic.  Clement was named a finalist for Outstanding Educator of the Year by Scholastic.

In his address, which focused on techniques he uses at Minuteman to assist students with reading proficiency, Clement said, “Afnan brings to life this quote by writer Joshua Becker: ‘Our greatest successes in life are often found in helping others succeed.’ Show of hands, how many here are excited when make a difference in a kid’s life? Making a difference is our core mission. Making a difference drove us here. Making a difference is our burden and joy.”

Clement, who has a BA in History/Education from Merrimack College and a M.Ed in Special Education from Simmons College, lives in Salem, N.H.  He started working at Minuteman in August 2009.

“I spend more than half my time at school teaching reading classes,” he said.  “As Reading Coach, I offer all teachers professional development on using literacy strategies in their classes.  I also assist the Special Education department with various needs. I've been leading the Executive Function initiative at school which promotes helping kids learn organization strategies.” 

Asked how he felt about being chosen to deliver this prestigious address, Clement said, “I felt privileged to be viewed as a leader in literacy and to present Minuteman's good work.  It validates our efforts.”

Minuteman High School provides its students with a superb academic and technical education that readies them for professional success and gives them the ability to become contributing members of the community.  Minuteman’s rigorous, challenging curriculum prepares students to excel in an increasingly competitive 21st century global economy. In addition, Minuteman has numerous services available for the public at reasonable cost and of outstanding quality.  Please visit www.minuteman.org for more information on Minuteman High School.