Reading Camp Leadership
Dr. Amber Spears, Director
Dr. Amber Spears serves as Director of the Ross Reading Camp and is an Associate Professor of Literacy at Tennessee Tech University.
With over two decades of experience in education, she has taught in public schools and in teacher preparation programs and has dedicated her career to helping children and teachers grow as readers and writers.
Dr. Spears has led summer literacy programming since 2017 and is deeply committed to creating joyful, research-informed spaces where children can experience success with books.
At Ross Reading Camp, Dr. Spears oversees program design, curriculum development, and staff training. She works closely with campus and community partners to ensure that each camper encounters high-quality texts, caring mentors, and an environment that encourages curiosity and confidence. Her leadership emphasizes practical classroom wisdom, strong relationships with families, and a clear focus on helping children make meaningful progress as readers.
Natalie Beach, Assistant Director
Natalie Beach serves as Assistant Director of Ross Reading Camp.
She brings valuable experience working directly with children and teachers in school and community settings, with a particular focus on early literacy and creating engaging, supportive learning environments.
Her background includes leading small-group reading instruction, organizing literacy events for families, and mentoring future teachers as they learn how to support young readers.
In her role with Ross Reading Camp, Mrs. Beach coordinates daily operations, supports curriculum implementation, and helps lead professional learning for staff. She works alongside Dr. Spears to ensure that each part of the camp day runs smoothly and reflects the camp’s mission of nurturing confident, joyful readers.
Additional Staff
Additional faculty, staff, and education majors will join the Ross Reading Camp team each year. Their names and roles will be added to this page as they are confirmed.
