September 25, 2008

News Release

Henry Winkler Inspires TISD Staff

            When actor Henry Winkler entered the meeting room at the Plyler Instructional Complex, more than 150 literacy facilitators, intervention, dyslexia and reading teachers gave him a standing ovation.  Winkler spoke to the crowd on Wednesday, September 24 about growing up with learning disabilities, a poor self image, and the lack of support he received.

            He shared with the group of staff members throughout Tyler ISD, as well as private school campuses, that their roles are essential to a student’s success.  He thanked the educators for being that hope and inspiration for a student who experiences reading and learning disabilities.

            Winkler is instantly recognizable and admired by audiences of all ages for his role as the Fonz on the long-running series, Happy Days. In addition, he is an award-winning producer and director of family and children's programming. He is also the author of the critically-acclaimed Hank Zipzer series, which follows the everyday adventures of a bright boy with learning challenges.  Winkler explained how this series is based on his own experiences as a boy growing up with learning challenges.

Winkler has also continued his acting career on the big screen, including a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in Nightshift, a starring role in the box-office hit Scream, and co-starring roles in Click, The Water Boy, and Holes. On television, he has guest-starred on ABC's The Practice and NBC's Law & Order: SVU. He recently starred on Broadway for nine months in Neil Simon's play The Dinner Party.

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