Dr. Don Vu
has been an elementary school teacher and principal for 24 years. He understands the challenges children face when learning a new language and culture, having fled Vietnam with his family in 1975. He also knows that reading can be transformative and life-changing. Don continues to spread the message that literacy can change the world through his work with state and national literacy organizations.

Award-winning principal and literacy advocate Don Vu examines six conditions of a school’s culture of literacy (Commitment, Collection, Clock, Conversation, Connection, and Celebration), showing how to create an environment where all students—especially immigrant and refugee children—can thrive. Vu’s work is a testament to the transformative power of reading—a key to opening the door for all to realize the American Dream.