In kindergarten, Andres Silva spoke almost no English, and by first grade was still among the lowest first graders in reading in Washoe County School District in Reno, NV. After less than 20 weeks of Reading Recovery lessons with teacher Sonia MacDonald (one of the first teachers trained in Reading Recovery in Reno), he was average in reading and writing. Andres maintained his skills and has been an example for his whole family.

In high school, Andres was a good student, a football player, and helped both his sister and mother, Martha, with schoolwork. (Martha had gone back to school to pursue a degree in elementary education.) Andreas was her study partner, encouraging her as she prepared for final exams and professional tests. After graduation, Martha taught first grade and completed training as a Reading Recovery advocate, sharing many insights of second language learners with colleagues.

Andres received an associate degree in criminal justice and is a deputy for the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. He is married and has a daughter. His mother, Martha, is currently teaching at Alice Maxwell Elementary School in Sparks, NV. They are shown here in this photo from 2010.