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Former NFL Star Inspires Literacy in South Dakota
15 Jun
Summary
- Community Literacy Night celebrates reading and history.
- Malcolm Mitchell, ex-NFL player, to share literacy message.
- South Dakota Literacy Summit draws over 1,000 educators.
A Community Literacy Night is scheduled for Tuesday evening in downtown Mitchell, South Dakota, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Corn Palace. This event aims to highlight literacy, community engagement, and South Dakota's history.
Former NFL player and author Malcolm Mitchell will be a featured speaker, sharing his personal journey and advocating for literacy. He will also conduct a book signing. The evening will include a South Dakota 250 flag-raising ceremony and entertainment by the Mitchell Area Children's Choir, with local food vendors present.
The Community Literacy Night is held in conjunction with the 2026 South Dakota Literacy Summit. This summit, taking place Tuesday and Wednesday at Mitchell High School, anticipates over 1,000 educators for professional development focused on the Science of Reading. Governor Larry Rhoden expressed enthusiasm for the event and its focus on improving reading proficiency.
The South Dakota Department of Education is sponsoring the summit, with unprecedented educator participation. Attendees will hear from experts like Daniel Willingham, discussing children's brain development and literacy. The state has invested $6 million in Science of Reading coursework and is administering a $53 million federal grant to support its adoption.
Further support for reading efforts includes in-person Summer Foundational Reading Courses for educators. Joe Graves, secretary of education for South Dakota, emphasized the effectiveness of the Science of Reading approach and the summit's role in enhancing teacher expertise in this method.
