By Leslie Fuentes
Dr. Kelly Cox, assistant principal at West Lake Middle School, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Dr. Roni Dean-Burren Literacy Leader Award by the Texas Council of Teachers of English Language Arts (TCTELA). This prestigious award recognizes educators who demonstrate exceptional leadership, advocacy, and innovation in literacy education.
Dr. Cox’s commitment to literacy has made a lasting impact on both students and educators. With a strong foundation in elementary literacy education, she has expanded her reach to inspire a love of reading across all grade levels. Her initiatives focus on equity and accessibility, ensuring that all students, regardless of background or ability, have opportunities to develop strong literacy skills.
“Dr. Kelly Cox is an absolute professional with a love for literacy and reading,” West Lake Middle School Principal Dr. Joey Washington said. “She has single-handedly elevated our practices here at West Lake Middle School. She is dedicated and passionate about serving and mentoring so many educators. She is truly deserving of this honor.”
One of her most notable contributions was spearheading a book donation initiative that allowed special needs students to check out books from the library for the first time. This effort reinforced her dedication to creating inclusive literacy experiences for all learners.
In addition to her work with students, Dr. Cox has supported teachers by leading professional book clubs, fostering collaboration, and enhancing literacy practices. She has also conducted free reading assessments to help educators identify student strengths and areas for growth.