{"id":2871,"date":"2021-05-07T01:50:58","date_gmt":"2021-05-07T01:50:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/?p=2871"},"modified":"2021-05-07T01:58:06","modified_gmt":"2021-05-07T01:58:06","slug":"congrats-to-our-master-teachers-of-the-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/congrats-to-our-master-teachers-of-the-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Congrats to our Epic Master Teachers of the Year!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 id=\"meet-our-epic-master-teachers-of-the-year\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Meet Our Epic Master Teachers of the Year!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We could not be prouder to announce our 2020-2021 Epic Master Teachers of the year. Spanning 37 states and 20 countries, our Master Teachers spark innovation and creativity among colleagues and help shape the Epic experience by providing their expertise and insights through surveys, interviews and advisory groups.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These 10 educators\u2014from librarians to ELL educators\u2014have gone above and beyond this year to support their students, families and other educators. To say thank you for all they do, we\u2019re honoring them with this special award and $2500.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read on and get to know this diverse, talented and passionate group!&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"brian-lopez-rosemead-ca\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Brian Lopez: Rosemead, CA<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p><strong>Brian Lopez<\/strong> is an out-of-this-world teacher from Southern California. Brian has been working in education for 18 years with experience inside and outside the classroom. He\u2019s currently in his fourth year of teaching as the English Language Development &amp; Intervention Teacher for students in grades K-6. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1160\" height=\"773\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/hellomrlopez-1160x773.jpg\" alt=\"Brian Lopez\" class=\"wp-image-2874\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/hellomrlopez-1160x773.jpg 1160w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/hellomrlopez-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/hellomrlopez-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/hellomrlopez-560x373.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/hellomrlopez.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Brian\u2019s teaching passion revolves around finding ways to infuse educational technology into his everyday classroom activities. He believes that every student has a voice, and it\u2019s his mission to help each and every one of them.&nbsp; You can connect with Brian on his website <a href=\"http:\/\/www.hellomrlopez.com\/\">www.hellomrlopez.com <\/a>or follow him on Twitter <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/HelloMrLopez\">@hellomrlopez<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"crystal-mencia-elizabeth-nj\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Crystal Mencia: Elizabeth, N<\/strong>J<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p><strong>Crystal Mencia <\/strong>is dual-certified in Elementary Education (K-6) and Special Education (K-12). She\u2019s passionate about making learning a multisensory, hands-on experience for all students. Her classroom is student driven and serves as an intentional space for inspiration, motivation and collaboration. Ms. Mencia values and appreciates the unique and diverse books Epic offers, which allow her to reach all readers exactly where they are at. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1160\" height=\"1160\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/CMencia_square-1160x1160.jpg\" alt=\"Crystal Mencia\" class=\"wp-image-2872\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/CMencia_square-1160x1160.jpg 1160w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/CMencia_square-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/CMencia_square-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/CMencia_square-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/CMencia_square-560x560.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/CMencia_square-90x90.jpg 90w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/CMencia_square.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond the classroom, Crystal enjoys being outdoors with her family dog and making memories with loved ones while traveling. Follow her on Instagram <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/crystal.mencia\/\">@crystal.mencia<\/a>. You can also check out her blog at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.teachingprincipal.com.\/\">www.teachingprincipal.com.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"felix-saji-norridge-il\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Felix Saji: Norridge, IL<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p><strong>Felix Saji<\/strong> is a third-year 4th-grade teacher in Norridge, IL. He\u2019s been an Epic Master Teacher for two years. His&nbsp; students use Epic every day as a part of their research and reading. He deeply values reading and even published a children\u2019s book in 2020, \u201cThe Apple Tree, #1 Not Mine, Ours.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"828\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Felix-Saji-Headshot.jpg\" alt=\"Felix Saji \" class=\"wp-image-2873\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Felix-Saji-Headshot.jpg 828w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Felix-Saji-Headshot-800x489.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Felix-Saji-Headshot-320x196.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Felix-Saji-Headshot-560x342.jpg 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 828px) 100vw, 828px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to teaching and reading, he enjoys travelling the world and sharing his experiences! Follow him on Instagram <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/mr.fourth\/\">@mr.fourth<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"john-gleason-monroe-township-nj\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>John Gleason: Monroe Township, NJ<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p><strong>John Gleason<\/strong> has taught 1st and 2nd grade for 17 years in Monroe Township, NJ. Most recently he\u2019s transitioned to the role of media specialist at his school. He loves that students walk down the hall and call out&nbsp; books they\u2019re reading, and he never has to give a student a test again! He\u2019s a proud father of two daughters and a wily dog, husband to an incredible school principal, and a singer\/songwriter in an indie folk band. His&nbsp; favorite children\u2019s book is Judith Viorst\u2019s \u201cThe Tenth Good Thing About Barney.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1160\" height=\"1269\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/John-Gleeson-1160x1269.jpg\" alt=\"John Gleeson\" class=\"wp-image-2875\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/John-Gleeson-1160x1269.jpg 1160w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/John-Gleeson-800x876.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/John-Gleeson-320x350.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/John-Gleeson-560x613.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/John-Gleeson.jpg 1462w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow him on Twitter <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/UndergroundLib2\">@UndergroundLib2<\/a> to join in some of his Epic book battles! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"laverne-gilliam-houston-tx\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>La\u2019Verne Gilliam: Houston, TX<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p><strong>La\u2019Verne Gilliam<\/strong> is a 2nd-grade teacher at Yellowstone Academy in Houston, Texas. She loves reading, and feels honored to have been&nbsp; an Epic Master Ambassador this year. She particularly loves teaching reading, because she believes books take you anywhere your heart desires. Her&nbsp; goal is to make reading fun for every student who comes into her classroom. Her favorite quote is \u201cThe influence of a good teacher can never be erased.\u201d &#8211; Author Unknown. Follow her on Instagram <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/giovanni.mom\/\">@giovanni.mom.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/La-verne-Gilliam.jpg\" alt=\"La' Verne Gilliam\" class=\"wp-image-2876\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/La-verne-Gilliam.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/La-verne-Gilliam-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/La-verne-Gilliam-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/La-verne-Gilliam-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/La-verne-Gilliam-560x560.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/La-verne-Gilliam-90x90.jpg 90w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"linda-meckem-plato-mo\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Linda Meckem: Plato, MO<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p><strong>Linda Meckem<\/strong> is a 3rd-grade teacher in her 14th year in education. She graduated from Central Missouri State University in 2006 with a dual Bachelor\u2019s degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education, and a Master\u2019s degree in Literacy in 2020.&nbsp; She\u2019s also certified as both a Reading and Library Media Specialist. Mrs. Meckem has high expectations in her classroom and believes all students have the ability to succeed and grow. She incorporates technology into all subject areas, and loves that while her students work hard, they have a lot of fun while doing it. Follow her on Twitter at <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/mrs_meckem\">@mrs_meckem<\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1160\" height=\"1547\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Linda-1160x1547.jpg\" alt=\"Linda Meckem\" class=\"wp-image-2877\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Linda-1160x1547.jpg 1160w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Linda-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Linda-320x427.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Linda-560x747.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Linda.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"mary-ledford-saline-mi\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Mary Ledford: Saline, MI<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/mledford918?lang=en\"><strong>Mary Ledford<\/strong><\/a>has been in education for over 24 years. The past 20 years have been with Saline Area Schools, where she\u2019s been in the elementary setting as a classroom teacher and now, media specialist. Her passion for technology integration and love of children&#8217;s literature led her to discover Epic, where she\u2019s been part of the Master Teacher program for two years. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1160\" height=\"870\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Mary-Ledford-1160x870.jpg\" alt=\"Mary Ledford\" class=\"wp-image-2879\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Mary-Ledford-1160x870.jpg 1160w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Mary-Ledford-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Mary-Ledford-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Mary-Ledford-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Mary-Ledford-560x420.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Mary-Ledford.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>When she&#8217;s not happily teaching her students, you will find her on her yoga mat, drinking a great cup of coffee or buying a fabulous pair of shoes! Follow her on Twitter at <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/mledford918\">@mledford918<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"mike-rawls-atlanta-ga\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Mike Rawls: Atlanta, GA<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p><strong>Mike Rawls<\/strong> is a third-year school librarian at a K-5 elementary school in Atlanta, Georgia. This is his 21st year in education having taught grades 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 before becoming the school librarian. He shares his love for children&#8217;s literature (and all things Epic) with the bookstagram community on Instagram as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thebookwrangler\/\">@TheBookWrangler<\/a>. You can also check out his blog at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.thebookwrangler.com\/\">thebookwrangler.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"953\" height=\"958\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/MikeRawlsHeadShot.jpg\" alt=\"Mike Rawls\" class=\"wp-image-2880\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/MikeRawlsHeadShot.jpg 953w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/MikeRawlsHeadShot-800x804.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/MikeRawlsHeadShot-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/MikeRawlsHeadShot-320x322.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/MikeRawlsHeadShot-560x563.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/MikeRawlsHeadShot-90x90.jpg 90w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 953px) 100vw, 953px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"renee-gray-fraser-mi\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Renee Gray: Fraser, MI<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p><strong>Renee Gray<\/strong> is a 1st-grade teacher for Fraser Public Schools in Fraser, Michigan. She\u2019s been teaching for over 15 years and has a Master\u2019s degree in Reading. She loves the challenge of teaching her young students how to read and sharing her passion for books. She hopes to instill that same love within her students. She\u2019s been an Epic Master Teacher for four years. In addition to using Epic to enhance her curriculum, it also gives her students access to a huge library of high interest books she can use for guided reading during virtual learning. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"983\" height=\"1218\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Renee-Gray-Photo.jpg\" alt=\"Renee Gray\" class=\"wp-image-2881\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Renee-Gray-Photo.jpg 983w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Renee-Gray-Photo-800x991.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Renee-Gray-Photo-320x397.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Renee-Gray-Photo-560x694.jpg 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 983px) 100vw, 983px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Renee is married with two children, and her daughter is a teacher too! In her free time, she enjoys camping with her family. You can follow her on Twitter <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Renee1Gray\">@Renee1Gray<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"sara-malchow-greenbay-wi\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sara Malchow: Greenbay, WI<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>After 18 years teaching 1st and 2nd grade, <strong>Sara Malchow<\/strong> now shares her passion for teaching, learning and technology integration as a Digital Learning Specialist for the Pulaski Community School District in Wisconsin. She\u2019s focused on supporting teachers and helping to integrate meaningful and authentic learning experiences that allow young learners to be creative, collaborative and globally connected. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"416\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Malchow.jpg\" alt=\"Sarah Malchow\" class=\"wp-image-2878\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Malchow.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Malchow-320x260.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Sara is the creator of <a href=\"https:\/\/malchowsreflections.blogspot.com\/\">EpicPals<\/a>, a monthly collaborative reading project that uses Epic books. She also hosts the annual St. Patrick\u2019s Day Global Graphing Project! Sara is an Apple Distinguished Educator and Seesaw Certified Educator. Follow her on Twitter at <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/smalchow\">@smalchow<\/a>. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"post-excerpt\">Meet Our Epic Master Teachers of the Year! We could not be prouder to announce our 2020-2021 Epic Master Teachers of the year. Spanning 37 states and 20 countries, our&hellip;<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2915,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,32],"tags":[],"powerkit_post_featured":[6,4,5],"class_list":{"0":"post-2871","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-educators","8":"category-teachers"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Epic Master Teachers of the Year | 2020-2021 | Epic<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Honoring our Master Teachers of the Year\u201410 amazing educators who\u2019ve gone above &amp; beyond to support students, families &amp; fellow educators.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link 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