(L-R) Debra Guthery, Julia Skinner, Jennica Paterniti, Katie Hedman, Sherry Barski and Dana Mulick. All are current colleagues at Jeremy Ranch Elementary School, except Sherry Barski who was a JRES colleague at one time. Photo: Stephen Guthery

PARK CITY, Utah — PC READS (Recognizing, Educating, & Advocating for Dyslexic Students) presented its 2025 Elevating Literacy Award to Debra Guthery at its most recent springtime fundraising event, Gin & Phonics, held at Woodward.

This award honors an individual who has made a significant contribution towards improving the lives of students with reading disabilities, including dyslexia and Guthery has positively affected countless childrens’ lives through both her work in the local school system and as a private reading tutor.

“I count myself lucky to have a career that focuses on empowering students, who have learning-differences,” Guthery told TownLift. “I work with amazing students, who put an enormous amount of energy and focus into learning to read and spell. Often, I will work with these students for a few years, nurturing a safe rapport that allows my students to build resilience and gain confidence in their abilities. I have tremendous respect for the previous awardees of the Elevating Literacy Award. I felt very honored when I found out that I was receiving this same award.
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Since 2006, Debra’s been an educator at Jeremy Ranch Elementary School—teaching first grade for 11 years and serving as a Reading Interventionist for the past eight. She is a credentialed Wilson Dyslexia Therapist, a distinction that reflects her commitment to reaching students with the most significant reading challenges.

Always eager to learn, Guthery’s knowledge base also includes IMSE’s Orton-Gillingham course, LETRS training in the Science of Reading, and 95 Percent Group’s RAP Tier Three Intervention.

Last spring, Debra attended Wilson’s Certified Teacher Conference in Boston with support from a PC READS’ Grant.

The award was presented to Debra by Carly Driscoll, who shared how influential she has been to their daughter. She explained to the assembled audience how as her daughter Layla’s 2nd grade interventionist, Guthery genuinely changed Layla’s whole world. Reading used to be frustrating and scary for Layla, she started to see that she was behind her friends. But thanks to Ms. Guthery, reading is now fun, exciting, and something she actually looks forward to. That transformation is not just about books—it’s about confidence, joy, and feeling capable.

“It was wonderful to honor Debra with this award,” PC READS Executive Director, Elissa Aten said in a statement. “Debra’s passion to empower students to become skilled readers is impressive, as she has dedicated years of her life to the literacy field. She seeks out professional development opportunities, including attending the 2024 Wilson Certified Teacher Conference. She is an asset to students in the school setting, as well as a resource as a private tutor. Her dedication and commitment to improving the lives of students through improved reading skills makes her a very deserving recipient of our 2025 Elevating Literacy Award.”

Each year, the award recognizes an individual’s service to students, families and/or the greater Park City community. Nominees demonstrate exemplary efforts supporting the mission of PC
READS which says they’re sure that many students who work with Ms. Guthery will agree with Layla Driscoll, who shared, “Ms. Guthery is so fun and I love getting to see her each day.”