Humanities Washington Honors Judy Trefethen
with the 2008 Humanities Washington Award

Educator Judy Trefethen

Humanities Washington is proud to present Judy Trefethen with the 2008 Humanities Washington Award for her commitment to education and for the tremendous work she has done to improve education and literacy in our state. The Award, given each year in memory of Heather C. Frank of Yakima, recognizes an individual or organization whose time and talents enlarge the meaning of the humanities in our lives. The 2008 award goes to Judy for her remarkable leadership in the statewide Motheread/Fatheread® family literacy program.

At the award ceremony and reception, held on June 5th at the Yakima Valley Museum, people shared their stories of Judy’s dedication to education and families. Attendees included community members, former students and their parents, fellow Motheread/Fatheread trainers, Humanities Washington staff and board, and members of the Frank family.

Judy, who lives in Wenatchee, Judy received her BA degree in Education from Willamette University and an Early Childhood degree from North Seattle Community College. She has worked as a teacher in elementary schools, high schools, social service agencies and literacy councils for over 30 years and has been involved in the Motheread/Fatheread program since its inception in Washington State. In 1996, two years after retiring as a school teacher, she participated in the first Motheread/Fatheread training in Washington. “Motheread is a perfect pairing of what Judy cares about most: improving literacy skills and helping families grow and learn from life experiences,” says Ev Machtinger, National Training Coordinator for Motheread Inc.

Judy soon started teaching facilitators in Washington and across the country. In 2001 she completed training for the Motheread/Fatheread curriculum B.A.B.Y. (Birth and Beginning Years) and conducted B.A.B.Y. classes for pregnant teens in Wenatchee. She is currently Family Literacy Coordinator at Wenatchee Literacy Council. She trains and supervises tutors to teach Family English as a Second Language (ESL) as well as coordinates and teaches Motheread/Fatheread classes in the Wenatchee area. Judy also is the current Motheread/Fatheread State Consultant.

In the 12 years since her first Motheread/Fatheread training Judy has trained over 400 facilitators and herself facilitated over 500 classes in her community, serving roughly 1,000 families. “Judy is the solid tree,” says Ev, “the facilitators are her branches, and the flowers and leaves are the parents and children they have reached.”

In her remarks at the award reception Judy reflected on her involvement with Motheread/Fatheread. “I’m a person who believes the world needs healing,” she said, “and I do my healing through this program.” Washington State, the people of Wenatchee, Motheread/Fatheread, and Humanities Washington are most grateful.

Images from the Award Ceremony and Reception
held on June 5, 2008 at the Yakima Valley Museum