Park City READS presented its 2025 Elevating Literacy Award to Debra Guthery, who has positively affected countless childrens’ lives through both her work in the local school system and as a private reading tutor.
The award was presented during their spring fundraiser, Gin & Phonics, which was held at Woodward Park City.
This award honors an individual who has made a significant contribution towards improving the lives of students with reading disabilities, including dyslexia.
Since 2006, Guthery has been an educator at Jeremy Ranch Elementary School—teaching first grade for 11 years, and serving as a Reading Interventionist for the past 8 years.
She is a credentialed Wilson Dyslexia Therapist, a distinction that reflects her commitment to reaching students with the most significant reading challenges.
Always eager to learn, her knowledge base also includes IMSE’s Orton-Gillingham course, LETRS training in the Science of Reading and 95 Percent Group’s RAP Tier 3 Intervention.
Last spring, Guthery attended Wilson’s Certified Teacher Conference in Boston with support from a PC READS’ Grant.
The award was presented to Guthery by Carly Driscoll, who shared how influential she has been to their daughter.
“Ms. Guthery is my daughter Layla’s 2nd grade interventionist, and I can genuinely say she’s changed Layla’s whole world,” Driscoll said. “Reading used to be frustrating and scary for Layla, she started to see that she was behind her friends. But thanks to Ms. Guthery, reading is fun, exciting, and something she actually looks forward to. That transformation is not just about books—it’s about confidence, joy and feeling capable.”
“It was wonderful to honor Debra with this award,” said PC READS Executive Director Elissa Aten. “Debra’s passion to empower students to become skilled readers is impressive, as she has dedicated years of her life to the literacy field. She seeks out professional development opportunities, including attending the 2024 Wilson Certified Teacher Conference. She is an asset to students in the school setting, as well as a resource as a private tutor. Her dedication and commitment to improving the lives of students through improved reading skills makes her a very deserving recipient of our 2025 Elevating Literacy Award.”
Each year, the award recognizes an individual’s service to students, families and/or the greater Park City community.
Nominees demonstrate exemplary efforts supporting the mission of PC READS, a local nonprofit which advocates for recognition and education of dyslexic students.
Layla Driscoll shared, “Ms. Guthery is so fun and I love getting to see her each day during my reading time. She makes reading fun.”
PC READS is a local nonprofit 501(c)3 advocating for recognition and education of dyslexic students.
The organization promotes elevating literacy through early identification of neurodiverse students for whom reading is challenging and by advocating for effective reading interventions andappropriate classroom accommodations.
It also provides resources and support to students, families and educators.
For information, visit parkcityreads.org.