McCown receives Rose Spicola Pioneer in Literacy Award
Lighting the way for literacy, Arlington ISD’s Krista McCown was named the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Rose Spicola Pioneer in Literacy Award last month.
McCown, who serves as the district’s coordinator for state and federal interventions and operations, has played a key role in transforming literacy education across the Arlington ISD. From launching innovative intervention programs to mentoring teachers and leading tailored professional development, her work has helped close achievement gaps and empower educators, especially on Title I campuses.
“Recognition makes me a little uncomfortable,” McCown said. “But it has been really sweet to hear about the impact this partnership has had on teachers, students and the district.”
McCown’s path to literacy leadership began when she joined the district as a kindergarten teacher and experienced a shift in how professional learning was approached.
“When I came to Arlington as a kindergarten teacher and participated in my first professional learning experience, I realized I had taught differently in my previous district,” she said. “The professional learning I experienced in Arlington helped me become a reflective, student-centered teacher.”
She credits that growth to the district’s strong professional learning culture, which was led at the time by staff who had studied at Texas Woman’s University.
“Each professional learning gathering included everyone bringing student work to collaborate with peers and leaders to analyze the work and plan for instruction,” she said. “We observed one another’s teaching. As I grew in my practice, my students grew in their achievement. In my district role, I seek to have the same impact my mentors had on me. I strive to keep student learning as the focus for everything we do and help support teachers in growing their instructional practice.”
One of McCown’s proudest accomplishments has been strengthening the district’s partnership with her alma mater. That collaboration has supported more than 80 Arlington ISD educators in earning a Master of Education in literacy and pursuing the Texas Reading Specialist certification – with 33 more currently enrolled.
“Experiencing the impact TWU graduates had on my teaching helped me know the quality of the coursework, so I followed in their footsteps,” she said. “The learning experience at TWU remains one of the most impactful of my life. It is important that teachers continue to learn ways to support students struggling with literacy.”
McCown helped design a graduate program specifically for Title I teachers in the Arlington ISD.
“The university partnered with me to create a path for Arlington ISD Title I teachers to study literacy learning, implement new strategies with their students, reflect on their practice and continue that cycle to guide their students to achieve,” McCown said.
When asked about the most rewarding part of her work, McCown said it always comes back to student success.
“It has always been seeing the students learn something new,” she said. “In my current role, the student stories come through the teachers. Seeing the joy and pride on the teachers’ faces is so rewarding. I enjoy reminding them that the student’s success is a direct result of their work. They typically brush that aside, but it’s true, the students grow when the teachers grow.”
McCown’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“We are so proud of the incredible work Krista has done in supporting both teachers and students,” said state and federal interventions and operations director Julie McGuire. “Her commitment to empowering educators and improving student outcomes has made a lasting impact. This recognition is a reflection of her passion, leadership and unwavering dedication.”
As a true pioneer in the field, McCown embodies the spirit of Rose Spicola through her advocacy, innovation and lasting impact on both students and educators. Arlington ISD is proud to celebrate her achievements and continued leadership in literacy.