Welcome to the Delaware Literacy Alliance
A beacon for literacy across the lifespan and a champion of diverse literacy forms.
We believe in the profound impact of literacy, not just as a skill but as a lifelong journey that enriches every facet of our lives.
Our alliance was established through the visionary collaboration of leaders from the Delaware Division of Libraries and Literacy Delaware, who recognized the critical need for a unified organization to elevate literacy levels across the state. While numerous organizations were already making significant strides in promoting literacy, there was a clear gap in coordinating efforts towards a collective impact approach.
Annie Norman and Cindy Shermeyer, driven by the concerning trends in literacy statistics both statewide and nationwide, spearheaded the formation of the Delaware Literacy Alliance. Drawing inspiration from the national Baldrige communities of excellence, they embarked on a mission to transform literacy outcomes in our community.
With a shared commitment to driving positive change, the Delaware Literacy Alliance serves as a platform for statewide partners to come together, collaborate, and implement effective strategies to advance literacy. By fostering partnerships, sharing resources, and adopting evidence-based practices, we are dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through literacy.
Our Mission
The Delaware Literacy Alliance is a collaborative focused on developing a comprehensive literacy ecosystem that promotes equity through literacy and impacts Delawareans for the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in Delaware.
Our Vision
A 100% Literate Delaware
What Sets Us Apart
- Lifelong Learning: We recognize literacy as a lifelong pursuit. Our subcommittee members cater to individuals of all ages, from early childhood literacy to specialized adult education.
- Diverse Literacy Forms: We extend beyond foundational literacy in children and adults by embracing and bolstering various literacy forms, such as health literacy, financial literacy, and environmental literacy.
Leadership
Annie Norman, PhD
Chair of Delaware Literacy Alliance
Greg O’Neill
Health Literacy Subcommittee Chair
Diane Frentzel
Early & Childhood Literacy Subcommittee Chair
Margery Cyr
Adult Literacy SubCommittee Chair
Emma Braun
Program Lead, PMG Consulting
Dr. Annie Norman
Cynthia Shermeyer
Greg O’Neill
Diane Frentzel
Cynthia Shermeyer
Margery Cyr
Advisory Board
Advisory Board
Dr. Annie Norman
Delaware Division of Libraries
Dr. Annie Norman
Cynthia Shermeyer
Stuart Comstock-Gay
Nicola Wedderburn
Kathy W. Kelly
Maureen Whelan
Sheila Bravo
Tracey Quillen Carney
Tynetta T. Brown
Greg O’Neill MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, NPD-BC, NEA-BC
Joanna Staib
Diane Frentzel
James Spadola
Dorothy Dillard, Ph.D.
Dan Cruce
Laurie Girardi
Laura Viviana Sturgeon
Katherine Burns
Kathleen Seeman, MEd
Kathleen Smith
Kathy W. Kelly
Delaware Department of Education
Maureen Whelan
Delaware Department of Education
Sheila Bravo
Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement (DANA)
Greg O’Neill MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, NPD-BC, NEA-BC
ChristianaCare
Kathleen Seeman, MEd
Private Practice, Program Director, The Science of Reading Institute at the Wilmington Library
Subcommittees
The Health Literacy Council of Delaware is committed to promoting optimal health through awareness, education, and advocacy of health literacy policies and practices. Our subcommittees—Policy and Advocacy, Education and Training, and Community Outreach and Engagement—work collaboratively to advance health literacy across the state, empowering leaders, organizations, and individuals to achieve better health outcomes.
Learn more
The Delaware Literacy Alliance’s Early Child Literacy Subcommittee is dedicated to advancing initiatives focused on developing foundational reading and writing skills in young children for academic success. It aims to build partnerships, enhance collaborations, and facilitate effective referrals for children in need of literacy intervention, ensuring access to high-quality services and materials, and raising awareness about the importance of early literacy.
The Delaware Literacy Alliance defines adult literacy as the ability to use printed and written information to effectively engage in society, accomplish personal goals, and enhance one’s knowledge and potential. The subcommittee is dedicated to fostering opportunities for all adults in Delaware to attain literacy, enabling them to achieve their goals and realize their fullest potential.Â
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