Michael Billotti, English Language Arts teacher at Hilton’s Merton Williams Middle School, has been awarded a library grant totaling $1,250 from the Book Love Foundation. “I used the grant to help build my middle grade and young adult graphic novel collection, which are among the most popular books in my classroom library,” said Billotti.
In his classroom, Billotti works tirelessly to instill a love of reading in each of his students. Through daily independent reading, shared discussions, book talks, and virtual author visits and videos, he has built a culture of literacy in his classroom. Most importantly, Billotti works to help each student feel valued, respected, and seen.
Billotti is also the founder of the Merton Williams Project LIT chapter, which connects students to a nationwide, grassroots literacy-focused network of students and educators. He is active on Instagram (@mrbillotti), engaging with middle grade and young adult authors through his freelance graphic design work.