Book Trust is pleased to announce Kristin Schneider as the winner of the 2023-24 Book Trust Teacher of the Year Award, which recognizes excellence and dedication to the Book Trust program, and honors those who go above and beyond in helping their students discover the joy and power of reading.   

Kristin Schneider as the winner of the 2023-24 Book Trust Teacher of the Year Award, reads a book
Kristin Schneider, winner of the 2023-24 Book Trust Teacher of the Year Award

Kristin teaches third grade at STEM Launch in Thorton, CO and has participated in the Book Trust program for two years. She is recognized for creating a welcoming classroom environment for book selection that encourages students to explore their interests and aspirations.   

“It’s so much fun to watch kids read books that they picked out for themselves,” said Schneider. “It really gets them invested in reading and growing their imagination.”  

STEM Launch will receive $2,500 in Kristin’s honor thanks to Book Trust founder Adrienne Schatz, and her family, who created the Book Trust Teacher of the Year Award.   

Kristin’s school community reports that through her efforts, students not only discover the joy of reading but also recognize its transformative power in shaping their lives.   

Book Trust also proudly recognizes Stephanie Bolsei, a second-grade teacher at Samuels Elementary School in Denver, as the Runner-Up for the 2023-24 Book Trust Teacher of the Year Award. Stephanie supports her students in becoming successful readers by providing one-to-one, small group, and differentiated instruction. She also encourages students to explore books across multiple genres. Samuels Elementary School will receive $1,000 in Stephanie’s honor thanks to the Schatz family.   

 The magic of the Book Trust program takes place in the classroom. Each year thousands of teachers and support team members facilitate book selection, ordering, and distribution in service of the Book Trust program. The personal libraries curated by students are possible because of these dedicated professionals. The Book Trust Teacher of the Year Award is one small way for the Book Trust team, supporters, and founders to recognize the important and generous work of the educators with whom we partner.   

View photos here.