Congrats to our Epic Master Teachers of the Year!

Brian Lopez 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’s currently in his fourth year of teaching as the English Language Development & Intervention Teacher for students in grades K-6.

Crystal Mencia is dual-certified in Elementary Education (K-6) and Special Education (K-12). She’s 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.

Felix Saji is a third-year 4th-grade teacher in Norridge, IL. He’s been an Epic Master Teacher for two years. His  students use Epic every day as a part of their research and reading. He deeply values reading and even published a children’s book in 2020, “The Apple Tree, #1 Not Mine, Ours.”

John Gleason has taught 1st and 2nd grade for 17 years in Monroe Township, NJ. Most recently he’s transitioned to the role of media specialist at his school. He loves that students walk down the hall and call out  books they’re reading, and he never has to give a student a test again! He’s 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  favorite children’s book is Judith Viorst’s “The Tenth Good Thing About Barney.”

La’Verne Gilliam is a 2nd-grade teacher at Yellowstone Academy in Houston, Texas. She loves reading, and feels honored to have been  an Epic Master Ambassador this year. She particularly loves teaching reading, because she believes books take you anywhere your heart desires. Her  goal is to make reading fun for every student who comes into her classroom. Her favorite quote is “The influence of a good teacher can never be erased.” – Author Unknown. Follow her on Instagram @giovanni.mom.

Linda Meckem is a 3rd-grade teacher in her 14th year in education. She graduated from Central Missouri State University in 2006 with a dual Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education, and a Master’s degree in Literacy in 2020.  She’s 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 @mrs_meckem.

Mary Ledfordhas been in education for over 24 years. The past 20 years have been with Saline Area Schools, where she’s been in the elementary setting as a classroom teacher and now, media specialist. Her passion for technology integration and love of children’s literature led her to discover Epic, where she’s been part of the Master Teacher program for two years.

Mike Rawls 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’s literature (and all things Epic) with the bookstagram community on Instagram as @TheBookWrangler. You can also check out his blog at thebookwrangler.com.

Renee Gray is a 1st-grade teacher for Fraser Public Schools in Fraser, Michigan. She’s been teaching for over 15 years and has a Master’s 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’s 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.

After 18 years teaching 1st and 2nd grade, Sara Malchow now shares her passion for teaching, learning and technology integration as a Digital Learning Specialist for the Pulaski Community School District in Wisconsin. She’s focused on supporting teachers and helping to integrate meaningful and authentic learning experiences that allow young learners to be creative, collaborative and globally connected.