Brewton-Parker hosts Amy Denty, Georgia Department of Education director of literacy

MOUNT VERNON, Ga. — On Monday, Sept. 9, Brewton-Parker College was honored to host Amy Denty, Director of Literacy for the Georgia Department of Education. Local educators and BPC Education students had the opportunity to engage with Denty as she discussed the critical role of literacy in K-12 education and shared current strategies and practices used by educators across Georgia.

Denty is a distinguished K-12 educator with a remarkable career dedicated to advancing literacy and instructional quality in Georgia. Her journey began as a classroom science teacher, and she has since held influential roles such as Instructional Specialist for GaDOE’s Office of Rural Education and Innovation, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for the Wayne County School System. Throughout her career, Denty has been instrumental in developing and refining literacy initiatives, collaborating on curriculum standards, and serving as a key link between rural districts and the Georgia Department of Education. Notably, she has contributed significantly to the Dyslexia Task Force and played a crucial role in updating the GaDOE’s Dyslexia Informational Handbook.

In her presentation, Denty used the metaphor of honey to convey the complexities and rewards of teaching literacy. Just as honey is a natural soother and its collection can be challenging, so too can reading be both difficult and profoundly gratifying. She highlighted the importance of effective reading instruction and offered practical strategies and personal insights to motivate and support both educators and students. Denty remarked, “If we can ensure that all of our students become proficient readers, it opens up their choices in life.” Her extensive classroom experience and dedication to supporting teachers enriched the session, providing valuable knowledge and encouragement to those present.

Dr. Beverly Faircloth, Assistant Professor of Education and Division Chair of Education, Behavioral Sciences, and Humanities at Brewton-Parker College, expressed her appreciation for Denty’s visit. “Denty’s presentation provided our students with invaluable real-world insights and underscored the vital role of literacy education. Her dedication and experience are truly inspiring as our students prepare for their future careers in education.”