Presidential communication

Letter from the President

Office of the President, president@uidaho.edu | Sept. 4, 2026

Dear Vandals,

As elementary school students across Idaho settle into their desks this fall, many Idaho teachers are better equipped to deliver the gift of reading thanks to the Vandal Early Literacy Symposium (VELS).

Recognizing that early reading success is one of the most significant predictors of future academic achievement, Jim ’70 and Tedde Reid ’25 established the Garth and Frances Reid Early Literacy Initiative. This funding fuels VELS, a professional development program through the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences designed to help teachers bridge the gap between current Idaho reading scores and the state’s literacy goals.

“Reading scores in Idaho are not where they need to be,” said Jim Reid, who founded the initiative to honor his parents, both of whom dedicated their careers to Idaho education. “This training goes back to the science of how the brain works and how sounds are made. Reading is the key that unlocks doors to students’ dreams, and VELS is already helping teachers build these critical literacy skills effectively.”

The symposium’s impact is rooted in its rigorous, three-day exploration of the science of reading. It moves beyond theory, providing educators with practical, evidence-based strategies from top experts. It also fosters a lasting support network, creating a peer cohort that teachers rely on throughout the year to overcome classroom challenges.

The results in the classroom are profound. Michelle McConville, a kindergarten teacher at Priest River Elementary and a member of the inaugural 2024 cohort, described VELS as the most impactful professional development experience of her career.

“Several of my colleagues and I have fully committed to these strategies, and the impact has been immediate,” McConville said. “Reading scores have gone up across the board. The program promotes interaction, and when students get excited about collaborating on literacy tasks, that enthusiasm becomes contagious.”

To sustain this momentum, VELS hosts an annual reunion day, a unique feature that allows past participants to share experiences and insights. The tangible results shared at these gatherings are compelling.

“Last year at the reunion, every teacher at my table from the first cohort confirmed that their students improved on state test scores,” said Tedde Reid, an honorary U of I alumna. “This year, I spoke with about 12 teachers and every single one reported increased student scores following the program. The impact is amazing.”

Patty Pancheri, a 31-year teacher from Moscow’s A.B. McDonald Elementary School, helped shape the program from its inception. Even after retiring, she continues to assist, citing the program’s strength in combining research and practical application.

“They have amazing presenters who are current on the research and really connect with the teachers,” said Pancheri, who retired last year but still assists with the symposium. “They discuss how the brain learns to read, but the program is also practical and easy to implement for teachers. It’s great for teachers and kids.”

VELS embodies the U of I’s land-grant mission — investing in the state’s future by empowering educators. Through the synergy of generous donors and dedicated university resources, VELS is not just training teachers — it is fundamentally changing the literacy landscape for thousands of Idaho students.

Go Vandals!

C. Scott Green
President

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