MACKINAC ISLAND — On Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order to create the Every Child Reads Champions Council. This group will bring together leaders in education, business, government, and the community to monitor and advise literacy efforts across the state, making sure that every Michigan student has the resources they need to succeed.

“Every kid deserves the chance to become a strong reader and writer,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “In Michigan, we’re investing in the resources to help them get there. This council will play a crucial role keeping Michigan on track as we strengthen our literacy programs, support our teachers, and help our students thrive. Let’s keeping working together to make sure Every Child Reads.”

“Improving literacy is the top priority of the Michigan Department of Education,” said State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. “We are excited to continue working with the governor and her team on the Every Child Reads initiative. The department will remain strongly committed to partnering with educators and stakeholders statewide in accomplishing Goal 2 in Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, to improve early literacy achievement, and to implement the landmark 2024 literacy and dyslexia laws. We need as many champions as possible to ensure that literacy remains a top priority for the good of our students.”

“Literacy creates possibility. It shapes how children learn, grow and begin to see what is possible for themselves,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, Director of MiLEAP. “The Every Child Reads Champions Council reflects a shared commitment to keeping children at the center of this work and bringing together leaders across sectors to help every child succeed. When we invest in literacy, we invest in stronger futures for children, families and Michigan.”

The Every Child Reads Champions Council will monitor, advise, and champion literacy efforts across the state. Members will work to align state leaders in education, business, philanthropy, and government on goals related to student success, as well as engage with local, regional, state, and national leaders on opportunities for improvement. The Champions Council will monitor the state’s progress on the Every Child Read goal, helping this mission achieve long term impact.

The Council will consist of 16 members selected for their experience in education, community organization, business, philanthropic work, and other relevant expertise. Applications for the Champions Council are open now, and interested candidates can apply here. Appointments will be announced in August 2026, and the council will begin meeting at the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

Every Child Reads

Michigan’s vision to help Every Child Read is a three-part plan that builds on years of record, bipartisan education investments in students and schools.

Early Starts:

Ensures every child has a strong start by partnering with families to help every child meet their milestones. Continues delivering PreK for All to set every kid with a solid academic foundation, ensuring they arrive at kindergarten better prepared to learn.

Proven Methods: Gets evidence-based literacy teaching practices into all Michigan classrooms. Funds additional professional learning for teachers, including LETRS training and coaching, so all educators use the most effective strategies to improve student outcomes, and expands the use of effective curriculum.

Extra Help:

Provides tutoring and small group support in class, over the summer, and in before-and after-school programs to every student who needs it.