The Chris Cassidy Project: Our Story

The Chris Cassidy Project (CCP) supports elementary school teachers by funding classroom libraries.  

The project’s goal, through funding and mentoring, is to support teachers so they can build their classroom library to match students’ levels and interests. 

Their teacher, knowing the interests and levels of each student, can guide them to a book they will be excited  to read.  CCP believes assigned textbooks and standard readers do not address the various reading levels and interests of a classroom of diverse kids.  CCP  funding will allow teachers to update their libraries to meet the needs of their current students.

With the funds to purchase more books, teachers can build on a child’s eagerness to read more. Combined with CCP mentors, teachers can enhance their classroom literacy programs and develop competent and critical readers. 

The inspiration for this project stems from the late Chris Cassidy’s unwavering commitment to literacy. Chris believed literacy could empower children. A robust early literacy program provides learners with the foundation to grow, question, dream, and explore a world beyond their everyday lives.  An essential skill especially in underserved elementary schools.

Chris Cassidy lost her ten-year battle with cancer in October 2022, but she never lost her passion for bringing literacy to every child she met. As a principal, district administrator, and national educational consultant, putting a book into the hands of a child was always a core priority. 

A good story inspires.