Two Midland College Pre-K Academy Teachers Named to National Literacy Honor RollJune 17, 2026

The image to use for this article. Listing image managed through RSS tab. headshots of Alaina Harris and Diana Ogbondah

Midland College is proud to celebrate two outstanding educators from the Pre-K Academy. Alaina Harris and Diana Ogbondah have been named to the Second Quarter 2026 Footsteps2Brilliance Brilliant Minds Model Classroom Honor Roll, a national recognition honoring excellence in early literacy instruction and student engagement.

The Footsteps2Brilliance Brilliant Minds Model Classroom Honor Roll is awarded quarterly to educators across the country whose classrooms demonstrate exceptional participation and commitment to early literacy development. The recognition highlights teachers who successfully implement research-based literacy tools to help young learners build foundational reading skills.

The Pre-K Academy at Midland College, a partnership between Midland College and Midland ISD, provides the community with 279 additional high-quality pre-kindergarten seats, expanding access to affordable, developmentally appropriate early childhood education for children ages three to five. The program is designed to foster school readiness through evidence-based curriculum, engaging learning environments, and meaningful interactions that support every child's growth and success.

Harris and Ogbondah earned their place on the national Honor Roll by achieving 100% student engagement with the Footsteps2Brilliance early literacy platform. Every child in their classrooms used the program for at least 45 minutes per week over a sustained period, a milestone that reflects exceptional dedication to literacy development and student achievement.

According to Footsteps2Brilliance usage data, students who consistently engage with the platform for at least 45 minutes per week develop literacy skills at a rate three times faster than students who do not meet that benchmark.

"Alaina and Diana exemplify the dedication and care that define exceptional early childhood educators," said Shelly Haney, Associate Vice President of Early Childhood and Dean of Education. "By creating engaging literacy-rich environments and ensuring every student actively participates, they are helping build strong foundations that will benefit children for years to come. We are incredibly proud of this well-deserved recognition."

The quarterly honor recognizes classrooms that model excellence in literacy innovation and engagement, demonstrating how intentional instruction and consistent use of research-backed tools can accelerate student growth and prepare children for future academic success.

"We are thrilled to see Alaina and Diana receive this national recognition," said Lori Smith, Principal of the Pre-K Academy. "Their commitment to student engagement and literacy growth reflects the high standards we strive for every day. They inspire our students, their fellow educators, and our entire school community."

This achievement reflects the Midland College Pre-K Academy's ongoing commitment to preparing young learners for success in kindergarten and beyond through innovative, student-centered instruction.

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