Last week, READ USA took Literacy Tutoring recruitment directly to students, visiting four high schools in Duval County and Edward Waters University to connect with young people about opportunities to make a difference in the lives of younger students.
Throughout the week, READ USA hosted recruitment tables during student lunch periods at Andrew Jackson High School, Sandalwood High School, Riverside High School, Mandarin High School and Edward Waters University. Students stopped by to learn more about becoming a READ USA Teen Tutor, ask questions about the job and begin the application process.
As Tutors, teens do much more than help elementary students strengthen their reading skills. Tutors gain meaningful work experience while building leadership, communication, time management and other professional skills that can prepare them for future education and career opportunities.
Teen Tutors receive training and ongoing support throughout their time with READ USA, giving them the tools they need to become confident tutors, employees and role models for the younger students they serve.
We are grateful to the school leaders who welcomed READ USA onto their campuses and helped us connect directly with students. Special thanks to Principal Moreland, of Andrew Jackson High School; Dr. Hatcher, Principal of Sandalwood High School; Principal Koek, of Riverside High School; and Principal Bravo, of Mandarin High School, as well as Dr. Hodges at Edward Waters University.
We also thank the volunteers who gave their time to support recruitment efforts throughout the week and help introduce students to the opportunities available through READ USA.
Every Teen Tutor who joins READ USA has the opportunity to make an impact twice — helping an elementary student become a stronger, more confident reader while gaining skills and experiences that can shape their own future.
Serve & Make an Impact with READ USA
Looking for a meaningful way to make an impact during the school day?
READ USA is looking for AmeriCorps Daytime Tutors ready to help elementary students build the reading skills they need to succeed.
Through funding from AmeriCorps and Volunteer Florida, READ USA is able to bring Daytime Tutors into high-needs elementary schools across Duval County, providing students with intensive literacy support during the school day.
We are recruiting 12 AmeriCorps Daytime Tutors to provide small-group literacy support to elementary students in Duval.
Daytime Tutors will work directly with small groups of two to three students, delivering approximately four 40-minute literacy lessons each day. Beyond instruction, tutors will help track student progress, connect with families and receive weekly coaching from an experienced Reading Interventionist.
The eight-month AmeriCorps service opportunity runs Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and includes a weekly stipend, Segal Education Award, and time off for school closures and holidays.
Candidates must have a high school diploma and a desire to work with youth. Experience with READ USA’s Literacy Tutoring model is preferred, but not required. Candidates must also be eligible to work with children as verified through a level 2 background check.
If you or someone you know is looking for an opportunity to serve, grow and make a direct impact on young readers in Jacksonville, we want to hear from you!
Interested in this opportunity? Send your resume to Becky at becky@readusainc.com.
#FastFacts Wednesday
This week for #FastFacts Wednesday, we’re kicking off September by recognizing three observances that celebrate access, communication and connection: Library Card Sign-up Month, Deaf Awareness Month and Friendship Month!
#FastFacts: Library Card Sign-up Month
- Library Card Sign-up Month began as a national campaign in 1987 encouraging every child to get a library card and use it. Libraries across the country continue the celebration each September as students head back to school. (American Library Association)
- A library card can unlock much more than books! Depending on the library, cardholders can access digital resources, educational tools, technology, programs and more.
- Fun fact: Singer, songwriter and avid reader Laufey is the 2026 honorary chair of Library Card Sign-up Month! Laufey founded her own book club in 2022 and is helping encourage a new generation of readers to discover everything their libraries have to offer. (American Library Association)
Here in Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Public Library has 21 locations throughout Duval County, giving families plenty of opportunities to discover new books and resources close to home. Duval County residents can sign up for a library card for free and gain access to books, e-books, audiobooks, digital resources and much more.
Don’t have a library card yet? There’s no better month to get one!
#FastFacts: Deaf Awareness Month
- American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, natural language with its own grammar and linguistic structure. It is distinct from English and is the primary language of many Deaf and hard-of-hearing people in North America. (National Institutes of Health)
- There is no universal sign language. Different countries and regions use different sign languages. For example, American Sign Language and British Sign Language are separate languages. (National Institutes of Health)
- The International Week of Deaf People has been celebrated globally since 1958. This year, it takes place September 21–27 and celebrates Deaf identity, culture, language and rights. (World Federation of the Deaf)
Language can take many forms. Deaf Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate the many ways people communicate, connect, learn and share their stories.
#FastFacts: Friendship Month
- Friendships are more than fun — strong social connections are associated with better mental, emotional and physical well-being throughout life. (National Institutes of Health)
- Children begin developing the social skills that help them form and maintain relationships early in life, and positive relationships can support learning, resilience and social-emotional growth. (National Institutes of Health; National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine)
- Books can be a great way for children to explore friendship! Stories give young readers opportunities to see characters navigate kindness, inclusion, disagreements, empathy and what it means to be a good friend.
Whether it’s connecting with a new book, learning a new way to communicate or making a new friend, September gives us plenty of reasons to keep learning from one another.
Stay tuned! We’ll be back with more #FastFacts celebrating September’s observances.
Children’s Book: The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
Have you ever felt invisible when you are around other people? 
Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody in his class ever seems to notice him, even his teacher, or think to
include him at lunch, during recess or at their birthday parties … until, one day a new boy joins his class. When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig is a gentle story that teaches how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish. This book is a great read-aloud for back to school to help address the needs of quieter children, like Brian. There is a discussion guide and resources for further reading included.
Submitted by Kathi Hart, READ USA Lead Content Specialist
Parent Education Corner: How to Enhance the Wonderful World of Reading
As school begins, one of the most effective ways we can support our children with their education is by providing opportunities for them to read at home. Even if your child is motivated to read, supporting them in a variety of ways will keep their momentum going. Here are four tips to enhance the wonderful world of reading for your child.
1. What’s “Just Right”? When choosing books to read at home, make sure you are finding books that are just right”. But how do you find a “just right” book? Have your child read the back and front cover, and the first page of the book. If there are more than five words that he/she cannot pronounce or understand in context, the book may be too challenging. Be supportive about finding a more perfect fit. Choosing the right book will help your reader feel successful.
2. Card Tricks. Do you think effective reading only takes place at libraries and bookstores? Think again! There are reading opportunities everywhere. Go to a greeting card store with your child and read the cards together. Later, vote for the ones whose words convey the best birthday wish or just thinking of you sentiment.
3. Picture This! During your next outing or gathering, take action-packed photos, then have your child create captions to go with each picture. Assemble the pictures and captions in a picture book or album and add speech and thought bubbles to create a personalized—and probably hysterical—graphic novel.
4. Become a Fan. Your reader will soon develop a love for particular authors and illustrators. Nurture their fan-ship by helping them write a letter to their favorite author. Many authors have their own websites with contact information. You can also contact the book’s publisher; the mailing address for which can often be found on the back of the title page or on the publisher’s website.
From Scholastic Books, 2022
Submitted by Kathi Hart, READ USA Lead Content Specialist