"He has left his mark on all of our hearts. Stan is a master at making connections with students. He is a light!"
Allyson Rutherford | Media Specialist | Fairmount Elementary | Bristol, TN
WHAT SCHOOLS ARE SAYING
Stan's visit has made a lasting impact on our school community. The students are still talking about him constantly! "I wonder if Mr. Stan would like this book!" "Can Stan come to work here?" "Do you have any of Stan's books I can check out?" Among the many messages I have received from teachers, four of them went so far as to say that in their 20+ years in education, Stan's visit was one of their most memorable days of teaching. He has left his mark on all of our hearts. Stan is a master at making connections with students. He is a light!
Allyson Rutherford | Media Specialist | Fairmount Elementary | Bristol, TN
Stan Tucker spent a full day at our school recently and I really can’t say enough good things about him or his program! His enthusiasm is contagious and his authenticity was recognized and appreciated by students and staff alike. I believe Stan’s message of kindness, and being the kind of person your loved ones can be proud of, is essential for our students to hear in a post-pandemic world where healthy social and family relationships are an issue for so many of our students. As teachers, we hope to encourage our students every day to be kind and respectful, but hearing this message from a “celebrity” is priceless! Stan has not only written books that speak directly to our students, but his Very Airy Library program has captivated them as he introduces authors and the idea that they too can be authors.
While here, Stan wanted to see every single student, outside the typical assembly format. This allowed our students the opportunity to ask questions and interact with him in a much smaller setting. Watching our students' faces while he looked them in the eyes to speak with them, was truly amazing. They have continued to talk about these interactions, and it is clear that this meant so much to our students. I would highly recommend having Stan Tucker visit any school. This was more than an author visit, this was encouragement and motivation to our students as well as our staff. All of our students are living the story of their life and this is an incredible chapter we have had the opportunity to add to that story!
Krista Heres | Media Specialist | Apple Pie Ridge Elementary | Winchester, VA
We were truly honored to host Stan Tucker for an unforgettable author visit that left a lasting impact on our students and families. Engaging with over 420 students, Stan delivered a captivating book presentation that resonated with every grade level, from kindergarten to fifth grade, including our students with autism. His ability to connect with our diverse learners was nothing short of remarkable.
During his individual class visits, Stan focused on inspiring our students to put forth their best effort, do the right thing, and strive to be the best person they can be. He emphasized the importance of making teachers and families proud, instilling a sense of pride and motivation in our students that is still palpable today.
The evening Family Literacy Night was a tremendous success, with over 150 families attending. Parents were eager to personally meet Stan after hearing from their children who couldn't stop talking about his engaging stories and positive messages. Stan graciously stayed late to ensure he spoke with every family, making each interaction meaningful and personal.
Students are still buzzing with excitement about his visit, and many are eagerly participating in his reading and writing challenges. Stan Tucker's visit has not only enriched our students' appreciation for sharing and listening to others stories, but has also fostered a stronger sense of community and enthusiasm for learning.
We cannot thank Stan enough for his dedication, passion, and the unforgettable experience he provided. His impact will be felt for a long time, and we look forward to future collaborations!
Tracy Huffman | Teacher Librarian | Superior Elementary | Superior, CO
We had the privilege of having Stan Tucker visit our Southern Oregon rural community school in February of 2023. What an amazing presence that Stan had on our staff and students. I can’t even say enough great things about Stan and his program. Our school had watched some of his show the Very Airy Library so to them he was a huge celebrity. His connection with the students was instantaneous. His Be Kind motto followed right along with our school rules. He visited every classroom and made even more connections with the students. His message reached every student. Our school loved getting to know Stan so much that we are planning on having him back again next school year. There are not many people who can come into a school and have such a great effect on all. Please feel free to contact me and ask any question!
Kellie Smith | Media Specialist | Allen Dale Elementary | Grants Pass, OR
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About Stan
WRITING NEW CHAPTERS
BY GARY TANNER
Stanley Tucker tells the elementary school students he works with through his Leap for Literacy nonprofit that each of them is the author of their own life story.
Tucker is known to students as the smiling, encouraging “Stan the Man” who they greet with high fives and hugs as he visits schools in metro Atlanta and elsewhere. He is writing his life story, one that involves helping children love reading and writing. It’s a story still being revised as he goes along.
Tucker graduated from Kennesaw State in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the Bagwell College of Education. Tucker has long been inspired to be a mentor to children, just as relatives and community members stepped up to mentor him after his father died when he was just 8 years old. He saw teaching as the best way to achieve that goal. But by 2016, he revised his story when he turned an idea to visit schools and give away books into Leap for Literacy.
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Click here to read the entire article in KSU Magazine by Gary Tanner
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