NIFDI notes the recent passing of two individuals in the Direct Instruction community.

Julie Molloy Eisele passed away in Sarasota, Florida, on October 12 at the age of 79. Julie was a lifelong educator, graduating with her master’s degree from the University of Oregon in the early 70s. She worked in Project Follow Through and was part of the Corrective Reading authorship team. She went on to work with children and taught reading to students with traumatic brain injuries. She also worked with teachers to improve academic achievement, helping teachers develop their teaching skills, reach out to at-risk students, and enhance their classroom management skills.

We also received news that Ed Huth, of Portage, Michigan, passed away on November 6. Ed received his M.A. and Ed Spec in School Psychology from Western Michigan University. He served as a School Psychologist for 31 years. Along with his close friend and colleague Mike Vreeland, Ed was co-founder of WMU’s Direct Instruction Conference and influenced educators from around the country. He also helped found Kalamazoo Advantage Charter School, which was one of the earliest charter management systems to utilize DI as the academic core. He was a regular attendee of the National DI Conference, bringing his family to Eugene each summer for many years. His dedication to seeking effective programs and techniques to give students the opportunity to succeed in school and, thereafter, society was exemplary.

NIFDI extends our sympathies and condolences to Julie and Ed’s families and friends.