Books create possibility and UNC Greensboro School of Education supporters Tommy and Nancy Teague believed that every child deserved access to them. Through the Teague’s Hooked on Books program, many children have been able to access books, opening up their world and their minds.
A former principal at Archer Elementary School and current principal supervisor for Guilford County Schools, Sophia Roberts has fond memories of the Teagues. She said, “The impact of their literacy efforts cannot be overstated. Research tells us that if children are not proficient readers by the end of third grade, they are far less likely to become proficient readers later in life. The students selected to participate in building their home libraries were primarily third- and fourth-grade students, and the opportunities provided by the Teagues helped foster a genuine love of reading.”
In October, Tommy passed away at the age of 91, but the legacy of literacy that he and his wife created lives on through initiatives like the Heritage Language Academy, a partnership between UNCG and Asheboro City Schools. Each year, students and families participate in heritage language and cultural exchanges to complete bilingual projects. At the conclusion of the program, students visit a local bookstore and select books to enjoy at home.
Roberts, who credits the Teagues’ generosity for helping Archer exceed performance standards in 2023, recalled a memory from the COVID pandemic when the Teagues arrived at Archer to deliver a $12,000 donation. She said, “Although our families could not visit bookstores in person, their generosity ensured that every family had the opportunity to purchase books through Scholastic. Their commitment to our children never wavered, even during one of the most difficult periods in education.”
While Tommy was a lifelong Greensboro resident who earned a business degree from Wake Forest University, Nancy earned both her bachelors (‘70) and master’s (‘73) degrees from UNCG and was a career educator. She has a deep understanding of the importance of literacy in a child’s development. Together, they have created something that will leave a lasting impact on children.
