Book Trust is pleased to announce Cheryl Daniels as the winner of the 2024-2025 Book Trust Teacher of the Year Award, which recognizes excellence and dedication to the Book Trust program, and honors those who go above and beyond in helping their students discover the joy and power of reading. 

Cheryl Daniels, Book Trust Teacher of the Year

Cheryl teaches first grade at James R. Ludlow School in Philadelphia and has participated in the Book Trust program for three years. Cheryl is recognized for her creative application of the Book Trust program. She leverages Book Trust books to take students on “literary vacations,” ensuring they are always exploring something new while increasing reading comprehension. Her students’ Book Trust books also support a learning unit on poetry and inspire creative writing that’s shared with family members and caregivers during a poetry café! 

“I’m so honored to receive this recognition. Book Trust has truly transformed the reading experience in my classroom—from taking ‘literary vacations’ and building personal libraries to hosting a poetry café where students proudly share their work with their families,” says Cheryl. 

“This program helps my students grow in creativity, confidence, and connection—and that’s what teaching is all about. I share this award with my amazing James R. Ludlow Elementary students, staff, and every teacher working to help kids fall in love with books.” 

James R. Ludlow School will receive $2,500 in Cheryl’s honor thanks to Book Trust founder Adrienne Schatz, and her family, who created the Book Trust Teacher of the Year Award.  

Book Trust also proudly recognizes Camilo Cervantes, a third and fourth grade ELA teacher at Munroe Elementary School in Denver, as the Runner-Up for the 2024-2025 Book Trust Teacher of the Year Award. Camilo is recognized for utilizing literacy to forge connections between students, families, and the community. He also takes time to create joy and excitement about reading through Book Clubs. Munroe Elementary School will receive $1,000 in Camilo’s honor thanks to the Schatz family. 

Runner-Up Camilo Cervantes, students Ximena and Vicky, and nominator Erin Daetsch

“I want to sincerely thank Mrs. Daestch and my amazing students for nominating me. I am truly grateful to teach such wonderful students who are always eager to learn and explore the world through reading,” Camilo shared, also extending thanks to the Schatz family for the recognition. “I believe that reading is a superpower that opens doors to new knowledge, fuels our imagination, and helps us grow intellectually.” 

The magic of the Book Trust program takes place in the classroom. Each year thousands of educators and support team members facilitate book selection, ordering, and distribution in service of the Book Trust program. The personal libraries curated by students are possible because of these dedicated professionals. The Book Trust Teacher of the Year Award is one small way for the Book Trust team, supporters, and founders to recognize the important and generous work of the educators with whom we partner.