PPGJLI Founder Named Toyota Family Teacher of the Year Runner Up

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Nov. 1, 2023 - PRLog -- Dr. Artika Tyner has achieved an extraordinary, national honor. She's been named Toyota Family Teacher of the Year runner up. She's the founder of Planting People Growing Justice™ Leadership Institute (PPGJLI), a non-profit organization that promotes youth literacy and leadership.

First place winner of Toyota Family Teacher of the Year is Sergio de Alba of Los Banos, CA, a rural farming community. He's been helping residents build a deeply connected community for 22 years through education and engagement that supports all cultures and backgrounds. He'll receive a $20,000 cash award to further his efforts.

Tyner and de Alba were officially presented with their awards during the National Center Families Learning (NCFL) Conference. The NCFL has partnered with Toyota for 27 years to present the award. As runner up, Tyner will receive $5,000 that she'll use to further PPGJLI's work at the local and national level.

A woman of vision, Tyner champions family literacy engagement, family leadership, and programs that engage the entire family. The Toyota Family Teacher of the Year Award is a testament to educators like Tyner and de Alba who are making an impact nationwide that reaches into the future.

Tyner is dedicated to building effective family-school partnerships, supporting student achievement, and driving school improvement. Her work embodies the organization's values and the transformative power of education engagement.

An attorney, prolific author and social justice advocate, Tyner works through PPGJLI to increase youth literacy rates, inspire the next generation of leaders, and end the school to prison pipeline. PPGJLI supports diverse books, authors, and cultural preservation. Tyner became aware of the literacy crisis during her work as a civil rights attorney. Many of those behind bars only learn to read while incarcerated.

Through PPGJLI (https://www.ppgjli.org/), Tyner has initiated a myriad of programs and projects encompassing writing contests, Read Aloud programs, STEAM education, and Black Doll Project.

About Dr. Artika R. Tyner
Dr. Artika Tyner (https://www.artikatyner.com/) is a passionate educator, author, sought-after speaker, and advocate for justice. Tyner is the founder of Planting People Growing Justice. In recognition of her leadership and service, she is the recipient of more than two dozen awards that include: Women in Business, American Small Business Champion, International Educator Citizen, and American Bar Association Difference Makers. Connect with her on LinkedIn,  Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.