“That’s why I believe so heavily in READ USA, and that’s why I wanted to come to work and do the best possible job I could.”
We recently sat down with former READ USA tutor and now college student, Nyzair, who shared how valuable and important his work as a tutor was to him—and why, to paraphrase, READ USA would be the first organization he would support as a donor!
Watch Nyzair’s remarks in this short video:
“Being a tutor awakened many aspirations within myself…and it made me more confident in myself...”
During the interview, Nyzair also shared the valuable work skills he learned, including communication, time management, punctuality, and more:
Nyzair shared a great deal more with our team, and we will be sharing more of his remarks in the coming weeks.
Right now is the perfect time to support the teen tutors, like Nyzair, and the students who receive daily, intensive Literacy Tutoring lessons from their tutors.
By donating to READ USA today, you are investing in our community’s future leaders – while making an immediate, significant impact on the teens and students we serve.
And, by donating $150 today, you can join us at our upcoming Peace in the Pages event in November! Read more about that here.
Duval’s Teacher of the Year Visits Literacy Tutoring
Vincent Taylor, Duval County’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year and READ USA Board member, paid a visit to Literacy Tutoring at Cedar Hills Elementary yesterday to meet the teachers, teens, and students in the program—and share some words of wisdom!
READ USA Literacy Tutoring has a proven impact on elementary students. As a nearly 30-year educator with Duval County Public Schools, Vincent keenly recognizes the tremendous value that the students, teen tutors, and teachers all receive from the program, collectively and individually.
“I was speaking with a 17-year-old tutor, and already she understands the importance of her role not only as an academic facilitator, but as one who builds a rapport with students so she can help the students academically and beyond, including socially,” reflected Vincent. “She understands that building a rapport is the gateway to helping that student achieve success in multiple ways—not only in academics, but in life.”
Teen tutors and teachers who work in Literacy Tutoring (most of whom are current DCPS high school students and educators) learn new skills and methods during their time with READ USA—valuable skills that teens take with them into their next career step and that teachers take back into their classrooms across Duval County.
“I just want to say to each one of you: you’re not just teaching students academics,” Vincent shared with the room of tutors and teachers. “I’ve seen a lot just in this short amount of time that shows how you’re changing their lives. Thank you for what you’re doing…your students will never forget you!”
“Continue the great work!”
In January, Vincent was selected as the 2024-2025 Duval County Teacher of the Year (you can read more here). Vincent is one of the most passionate educators we have ever encountered, and his impact in the classroom ripples far beyond school walls.
Thank you, Vincent, for your unwavering dedication to the students and teens of Duval County and your efforts to uplift your fellow educators! We are grateful for you!
A Couple Things We Are Celebrating This Month
Today is the first day of October (this year is already going by so quickly!), and it’s a new month to celebrate:
It’s National Principals Month!
This year’s theme, “Elevating Principals, Transforming Schools,” is a perfect representation of the dedication the principals of Duval County have to their students, teachers, and school communities. Every day, they show up early and leave late to ensure their school – and every soul in it – is a safe, secure place for learning and development.
While we are grateful for all principals, in our community and beyond, we also want to give a special shoutout to the principals at the 14 DCPS elementary schools where READ USA Literacy Tutoring occurs: your embrace and advocacy for our teen tutors and students is exceptional, and we could not have the impact we do without your support! THANK YOU!
Read more about National Principals Month and the organizations behind it here (yes, they have their own website!).
It’s also National—you guessed it—BOOK Month!
Three cheers for National Book Month, Team READ USA’s favorite month of the year! Now in its 23rd year, National Book Month was founded by the National Book Foundation to celebrate “…the importance of reading in our everyday lives.”
#DYK that, when the first National Book Awards were hosted in 1950, former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt participated in the ceremony? More about that here!
And speaking of former first ladies, did you also know that our first First Lady Martha Washington, “found pleasure and solace in reading.” (You can read more about her here.)
October also recognizes a couple of other important initiatives, and we will share those soon!
Until then, remember to celebrate school principals and ENJOY BOOKS all month long!
Children’s Book: Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise
Illustrated by Paola Escobar
Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré, written by Anika Aldamuy Denise and beautifully illustrated by Paola Escobar, is a biography and a tribute to a woman who changed the world one story at a time—and also became New York City’s first Puerto Rican librarian. It’s a perfect book to enjoy in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 every year!
Pura came to America in the 1920s, a time when very few books in libraries reflected the cultures or languages of Latinx children. But instead of being discouraged, she saw an opportunity to plant seeds of heritage, language, and identity.
Through her storytelling and puppetry, Pura brought the rich folklore of Puerto Rico to life. She told cuentos—traditional tales—in both English and Spanish, inviting all children to see themselves in the stories she shared. And when she couldn’t find books that reflected her culture of heritage, language, and identity, she wrote them herself.
Pura Belpré became not just a librarian, but an author—a pioneer—whose work continues to bloom in libraries and classrooms across the world. Her legacy reminds us that representation matters, that stories are powerful, and that one voice can echo across generations.
Submitted by Melanie Poag, READ USA Content Assistant
Parent Education Corner: Homework Tips
Homework can be a frustrating time for both students and parents. This week, we are sharing some tips to help make this time easier for everyone:
These strategies can foster a positive homework environment and support your child's learning journey. Here are some links to additional online resources about this topic as well:
Submitted by Melanie Poag, READ USA Content Assistant
Do you have any questions or ideas for the Parent Education Corner? Anything you’d like to learn? Let us know here!