The Marshall County Literacy Council honored educator Brandi Walton as the 2026 Rita Takach “Reading Teacher of the Year” during the organization’s spring banquet on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Walton serves as the Reading Specialist at John Marshall High School, where colleagues say her commitment to literacy and student success extends well beyond the classroom. Through additional educational training and literacy initiatives, Walton has helped strengthen reading support programs for struggling students throughout the school.
Susanne Cubick, a coworker and parent of one of Walton’s students, praised Walton’s dedication to literacy and student growth. “Mrs. Walton’s passion for literacy extends far beyond rebuilding students’ academic skills,” Cubick said. “She empowers students, parents, caregivers, teachers, administrators, and the school system as a whole to recognize areas of need and build a strong foundation that students will carry with them throughout their academic careers and into adulthood.” Cubick also highlighted Walton’s leadership in organizing book studies in collaboration with a professor from West Virginia University, noting that the English Department at John Marshall has greatly benefited from her expertise.
Jennifer Yates, an English teacher at John Marshall High School, said Walton’s individualized instruction has made a significant impact on students at varying reading levels. “In her own classroom, she has tailored instruction to meet each student’s needs, no matter where the student’s ability level falls,” Yates explained. “Brandi can analyze the data and develop instruction to fill in the gaps that the student needs to succeed.”
As the 2026 recipient, Walton will represent the Marshall County Literacy Council at the annual West Virginia Reading Association conference in November.
Other nominees included Hannah Neely and Rebekah Fox.