The future of education starts with those who feel called to lead it!
We are proud to announce the first-ever recipient of the Emily Leyenberger Pfohl Future Teacher Scholarship: Analyse Roman, a bilingual READ USA tutor and Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) student who is pursuing a career in education.
This scholarship, established in memory of Emily Leyenberger Pfohl, honors a dedicated educator and READ USA teacher whose impact on students, tutors, and her fellow teachers continues to ripple across our community. Funded by generous READ USA donors and Emily’s husband, Robert Pfohl, the scholarship was created to support bilingual tutors who aspire to become educators and who reflect Emily’s compassion, excellence, and commitment to literacy.
Analyse embodies that legacy in every way.
A Journey Sparked by READ USA
When Analyse first became a READ USA tutor when she was a high school senior, she wasn’t sure what her future would hold.
“I had no idea what I wanted to study,” she shared. But then something changed.
Through Literacy Tutoring experiences at elementary schools across Jacksonville — including Parkwood, Woodland Acres, Arlington, and now Lake Lucina — Analyse began to discover something powerful: a passion for teaching.
“It was READ USA that helped me realize I wanted to become a teacher,” she said. “As I kept coming back, I discovered this was something I really enjoyed — and something I could see myself doing long-term.”
Now a sophomore at FSCJ, Analyse is pursuing her path with confidence, even gaining additional experience through substitute teaching at DCPS to explore different grade levels and subjects.
“READ USA showed me that I’m on the right path,” she shared. “I don’t have any doubts.”
A Recognition That Means More
For Analyse, receiving the scholarship was more than financial support — it was a moment of affirmation.
“When I first heard I was receiving the scholarship, I got a little emotional,” she said. “It made me feel like I was being recognized and I felt ‘seen.’”
As a bilingual tutor, Analyse has built strong connections with Spanish-speaking students, often working with children who benefit from learning in both English and Spanish.
“I love working with the Spanish-speaking kids,” she said. “Being able to help them and connect with them means a lot to me.”
That same commitment reflects the work Emily Leyenberger Pfohl championed: supporting bilingual learners and creating inclusive, high-achieving environments for all students.
Continuing a Legacy
The Emily Leyenberger Pfohl Future Teacher Scholarship is more than an award and scholarship. It is a direct investment in the next generation of educators.
By supporting tutors like Analyse, READ USA is helping to grow future teachers who understand the power of literacy, the importance of connection, and the impact of showing up for students every day.
“Emily Pfohl wasn’t just an educator; she was a humanitarian who made a positive impact on thousands of children across the world,” shared our President & CEO Dr. Rob Kelly. “She taught English in several countries, helping children gain confidence and freedom through literacy. Her energy was incomparable. Her love was expansive. Her passion for reading was contagious. I am thankful that her dear friend Susan D. Brandenburg introduced her to READ USA, and I’m honored that her husband, Bob Pfohl, allowed us to keep her memory alive through this scholarship.”
Through this scholarship, Emily’s legacy will continue to make an impact — in classrooms, in communities, and in the lives of students for years to come.
“READ USA has had such an impact, providing services to enhance the success of its student participants,” shared Robert Pfohl. “Emily was beyond proud to have had a role in READ USA’s important contributions to literacy. She knew it was the key to success. Congratulations to Analyse Roman and best wishes to her in her own journey to serve the cause of literacy.”
Please join Team READ USA in congratulating Analyse Roman, our inaugural scholarship recipient — and in celebrating the bright future ahead for her and all of the students she will reach!
Inside Healthcare: READ USA Workforce Excellence Series Event at Mayo Clinic
What happens when curiosity meets opportunity?
On Friday evening last week, READ USA brought together teen tutors, donors, and community partners for an unforgettable experience at Mayo Clinic in Florida — and the result was nothing short of inspiring.
From the moment guests arrived at our latest Workforce Excellence Series event, the evening was filled with energy, connection, and discovery. Our teens had the unique opportunity to step inside one of the nation’s leading healthcare institutions and explore what a future in healthcare could look like.
For our donors and supporters, it was an opportunity to engage directly with our teen tutors, see the impact of their support in action, and gain a deeper understanding of how READ USA is preparing the next generation for meaningful, in-demand careers.
A Rare, Real-World Experience
Through direct interaction with Mayo Clinic team members representing a wide range of roles — from clinical care to design, education, and operations — our tutors gained a broader understanding of the healthcare field and the many pathways available to them.
For all of them, it was eye-opening.
Guests also had the opportunity to tour Mayo Clinic’s innovative J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Simulation Center, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how healthcare professionals train, learn, and deliver exceptional care. It was a powerful reminder of the skill, precision, and collaboration required in this field — and it provided an experience that left both teens and adults energized and inspired.
Learning from Leaders
A highlight of the evening was an engaging panel discussion featuring Mayo Clinic professionals who shared their personal journeys, insights, and advice for pursuing careers in healthcare. From nursing and education to architecture and administration, the message was clear: there are countless ways to make an impact and pursue one’s passions in healthcare.
We extend our sincere thanks to:
Our special thanks also go to Josh Mattson, Associate Administrator at Mayo Clinic, for his warm welcome and opening remarks.
Community in Action
This event was more than a learning opportunity — it was a powerful example of what happens when a community comes together to invest in its future.
Our teen tutors — who are at the core of READ USA’s programming and impact — had the chance to connect directly with professionals, ask questions, and envision what’s possible for their own careers.
At the same time, our donors and partners were able to engage with these incredible young people and witness firsthand the potential they are helping to cultivate.
We are incredibly grateful to Mayo Clinic, our panelists, and all of our donors, supporters, and guests who joined us for making this intimate and impactful experience possible.
Because of our donors’ and partners’ support, our teens are growing as leaders and are gaining the confidence, exposure, and knowledge needed to pursue meaningful careers and bright futures.
We can’t wait for our next Workforce Excellence Series event coming soon!
Team Members Attend Volunteer Florida Spring Training
Members of Team READ USA traveled to Deerfield Beach last week to attend Volunteer Florida’s three-day Spring Training. AmeriCorps programs from across the state—all funded and supported through Volunteer Florida—came together to learn from and network with each other, sharing best practices that are strengthening AmeriCorps programs across Florida. As an AmeriCorps grantee, AmeriCorps provides funding for READ USA’s Literacy Tutoring & Workforce Development program.
Our team members—including Becky Nathanson, Senior Director of AmeriCorps and HR, and Tracy Suter, Grants Manager, Bookkeeping & Data Supervisor—joined hundreds of colleagues to listen to keynote speakers and participate in a variety of breakout sessions.
One workshop of note was about optimizing READ USA’s AmeriCorps program timeline. “One of the many benefits of Volunteer Florida training is learning from other AmeriCorps programs across the state who have learned how to maximize funding, lead beyond compliance, and share great ideas to improve our members’ experience and boost retention,” shared Becky. “This ultimately benefits the students, teens, families, and schools we serve!”
“Another breakout session inspired us to reflect on how we lead and how we respond to challenges,” Becky added. “This meaningful workshop inspired us to think about how we can incorporate this reflective personal development content into our workforce development program.”
Be a Coffee Bean: Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?
When all three items faced the adversity of boiling water, they all reacted differently:
Carrots went in strong and hard but came out soft and weak.
Eggs were fragile with a thin, outer shell, but boiling water made their insides hard.
Coffee – uniquely – after in boiling water, changed the water itself into something new, with a rich aroma.
Facing the same adversity, each reacted differently. The session challenged attendees to ask: “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? We have the power to choose our response and transform our situation into something better, just like the coffee beans.”
We can let challenges weaken us, harden us, or inspire us to transform and improve our circumstances.
Overall, the training provided a number of insights and inspirational moments that will help Team READ USA further improve our program and the experience of our AmeriCorps Tutor Leaders!
Thank you to Volunteer Florida and all of the AmeriCorps grantees in Florida for an engaging, meaningful, and fun Spring Training event!
Meet Our Teachers at Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary
We are thrilled to feature our incredible READ USA teachers behind Literacy Tutoring & Workforce Development at Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary School this week!
#FastFacts about Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary
Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary is named after a Jacksonville educator and civil rights leader who believed deeply in the power of education to create change.
Rutledge H. Pearson was a history teacher, NAACP leader, and advocate for nonviolent activism who inspired students to become engaged citizens during the Civil Rights Movement. (The Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame)
#FunFact: Rutledge H. Pearson was also a professional baseball player before becoming a leading voice in Jacksonville’s Civil Rights Movement! (Wikipedia)
At all our Literacy Tutoring sites, our Teachers of Content and Organization work closely with tutors to ensure high-quality instruction, strong student engagement, and consistent progress monitoring. From coaching tutors to managing day-to-day operations, this team plays a critical role in moving students to grade-level reading proficiency.
Meet our Teachers at Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary below and read why they love the work they do at READ USA—and show them some love on social media HERE!
To better understand our teachers’ unique roles, read below:
Teachers of Content are responsible for all literacy content needs of READ USA Literacy Tutoring, ensuring seamless delivery of literacy content needs at each school site. Specifically, Teachers of Content coach and annotate tutor next steps and observations, model lesson parts, and provide tutor professional development. Importantly, they also audit and monitor student literacy growth and oversee student assessments, among other responsibilities.
Teachers of Organization oversee all operational needs of READ USA Literacy Tutoring. This essential role ensures smooth and efficient program delivery, from managing communications with schools, parents, and READ USA staff to collecting and entering weekly student data. Teachers of Organization also handle student discipline, transportation support, and provide oversight of the READ USA aftercare program.
Aftercare Teachers monitor and provide guidance to elementary students awaiting their Literacy Tutoring sessions each day. They are also responsible for student attendance, supper, and snack tracking, and deliver supplemental literacy programming, such as read-alouds and other literacy-focused activities.
THANK YOU to our incredible teachers at Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary for all you do for our students and teens!
Children’s Book: Ernő Rubik and His Magic Cube by Kerry Aradhya
READ USA is continuing to feature the Top 10 Finalists for the 2025-2026 Florida Literacy Association Children’s Book Award in our weekly children’s book review. There were 10 finalists in the Grades K-2 category and 10 for the Grades 3-5 category for a total of 20 books.
To view the full list of finalists, click here.
This Week’s Featured Book: Ernő Rubik and His Magic Cube by Kerry Aradhya
Top 10 Finalist in Grades 3-5 category | Illustrated by Kara Kramer
Have you ever wondered how a simple idea becomes something the whole world loves? Ernő Rubik and His Magic Cube tells the fascinating story behind one of the most iconic puzzles ever created—and the curious mind that made it possible.
As a young architect and teacher, Rubik wasn’t trying to make a toy. He was exploring how things move, connect, and fit together. What followed was a journey filled with trial, error, frustration, and persistence. Readers get a front-row seat to the creative process, where mistakes aren’t failures, but stepping stones.
The author’s storytelling makes complex ideas feel approachable and inspiring, encouraging readers to think like problem-solvers and creators. It’s not just about the cube; it’s about curiosity, resilience, and the power of sticking with a challenge.
This book leaves readers wondering: What might I create if I don’t give up?
Parent Education Corner: Extending Engagement with a Text
After a shared reading moment between you and your child, the opportunity to expand on their understanding and connection with a text is just beginning.
For example, at bedtime, an activity to extend engagement could be a discussion of your child’s favorite part of the book.
It may be a pointed inference about what would happen if the ending was different. You could even ask your child to change the ending and make up a new one. How would their new ending affect the most important character in the story?
However, during the day, literacy extension could take the form of dramatic play, movement, art, or interactive writing and drawing. Here are some ideas:
There are many ways to creatively express comprehension and important characteristics of a book. READ USA wants you to challenge yourself. Set some time aside with your child for engagement with a text or two this week.
Submitted by Tabetha West, READ USA Chief Programs Officer