This week, our 200+ tutors – most of whom are local high school students – began their Workforce Development journey with READ USA. And for the teens and young adults who have been tutors with READ USA before, their professional growth never stops!
We welcome professionals to join us in preparing our teen tutors for their next career step, and you can join us this Saturday! Details are below.
Our tutors’ focus this week is to prepare for the start of Literacy Tutoring lessons. Beginning next Tuesday, our tutors will deliver one-to-one literacy instruction to the 600+ elementary students READ USA will serve this school year at 14 Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) elementary schools!
Hallmarks of the READ USA Workforce Development experience are professional skill development and career exploration. During the next 10 months, our teen tutors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the hands-on Literacy Tutoring experience, the learnings from which they can apply to any career they pursue in their future—and at the same time, they are significantly improving the literacy skills of the elementary students they tutor.
In a self-reported survey, our tutors shared that they learned or improved the following job skills and character traits while serving as a READ USA tutor:
Beyond the self-reported survey, our tutors have shared publicly all that they learn and experience as a READ USA tutor – and they continue to do so!
#ICYMI last week, our former tutor, Ronnie, appeared on News4Jax’s River City Live with Eden Kendall to talk about READ USA Literacy Tutoring, and you can watch the segment here:
(Also: Another READ USA tutor, Moya, spoke on First Coast Connect this week – more on that below!)
We can’t wait to see – and share – how our tutors grow and learn during the next 10 months!
Would you like to be involved in our tutors’ Workforce Development experience with READ USA? Let us know: Email our Development Director Joe Wolf at joe@readusainc.com.
Join Us on Saturday: (Additional!) READ USA Job Essentials Roundtable
Team READ USA has hosted four highly productive Job Essentials Roundtables for our teen tutors to learn and glean insights from professionals across the community – and we just scheduled a fifth one for this coming Saturday!
If you are a local professional interested in supporting the next generation who is beginning to enter the workforce, join us!
The one-hour Job Essentials Roundtables give professionals the opportunity to share insights and experiences about job-readiness topics like communication, time management, professionalism, and providing and receiving feedback. (You can read more about them here!)
Your voice will inspire our teens and help them grow as young professionals, which is particularly important right now as they embark on this experience with READ USA!
We hope you will join us!
Did You Hear us on First Coast Connect?
#ICYMI, please join us in giving applause to Moya, one of our stellar, long-time READ USA tutors, for representing READ USA so well!
On Monday, Moya joined our President & CEO Dr. Rob Kelly on WJCT Public Media’s First Coast Connect radio show. Host Noah Hertz was fantastic and asked thoughtful questions, giving both Moya and Dr. Kelly the opportunity to discuss the impact of READ USA Literacy Tutoring & Workforce Development on elementary students and teen tutors.
You can listen to the segment HERE and watch the segment on YouTube HERE.
Thank you to WJCT Public Media and the First Coast Connect team for the warm welcome and invitation to join Noah live on air!
ALSO: Keep an eye out in Jax Today for an upcoming story featuring two of our teen tutors!
Be SAFE. Be SEEN!In light of the recent traffic incidents involving DCPS students – one of which resulted in heartbreaking tragedy – Team READ USA wanted to amplify the school district’s “Be Safe. Be Seen.” pedestrian and bicycle safety campaign.
As DCPS Superintendent Dr. Bernier shared last week, “The safety of our students—whether they are walking to school, riding a bike, getting on the bus, or being picked up at dismissal—is everyone’s responsibility.”
Parents/Caregivers: Talk to your children and teens about pedestrian and bicycle safety! Here are safety tips to discuss, as shared by DCPS:
Additional bike safety tips are also available on our website HERE.
Please take the time to discuss these safety precautions with your children and teens! And when you’re driving on the roadways – particularly near schools and school zones – remember to watch for students and proceed with attentiveness and caution!
Together, we can keep our students safer!
Children’s Book: Give Bees a Chance by Bethany Barton
Written & illustrated by Bethany Barton
Give Bees a Chance is a colorful, engaging book that brings attention to one of nature’s most often feared—but essential—creatures: the bee. With a blend of vibrant illustrations and a playful, conversational style, Barton transforms apprehension into admiration.
Narrated by a passionate bee supporter, the book follows a lighthearted effort to convince a nervous friend—and young readers—to see bees in a more positive light. Using humor and plenty of fun facts, the narrator explains everything from the importance of bees in pollinating plants to the fascinating process of making honey. Science is cleverly woven into the story, making it both enjoyable and easy to understand.
The book is engaging with its lively dialogue, expressive artwork, and educational focus, creating a rich reading experience that’s both fun and meaningful.
More than just a cheerful read, Give Bees a Chance gently encourages children to think about environmental care and the value of creatures we often overlook or fear. Whether you love bees or are still a bit unsure, this delightful book offers a fresh perspective…one entertaining fact at a time.
Submitted by Judy Howard, M.Ed.
Parent Education Corner: Growing Reading Confidence, One Page at a Time
As students start to settle into the rhythm of the school year, they are also navigating new classroom routines, academic expectations, and learning challenges. It is natural for some children to feel a bit unsure, especially with reading. The important thing to remember is that confidence does not come all at once. Like reading itself, it builds little by little, with encouragement, patience, and lots of positive reinforcement. When a child feels confident and capable, they are more likely to take risks, enjoy books, and become lifelong readers.
Simple Strategies to Help Build Your Child’s Reading Confidence
Celebrate the Effort, Not Just the Outcome
Try shifting the focus away from being “right” and instead cheer on their efforts. Whether they’re tackling a tricky word or simply trying again after a stumble, these small steps are worth celebrating. Let your child hear praise like, “I’m so proud of how hard you’re trying!” or “You didn’t give up—that’s awesome!” These messages reinforce a growth mindset and make reading feel rewarding.
Partner Up for Reading Time
Reading doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Taking turns—one sentence, one page, or even one paragraph at a time—makes reading feel more relaxed and collaborative. It allows you to model fluent, expressive reading while showing that mistakes are part of learning. Also, it makes for a great time to bond.
Use Audiobooks as a Learning Tool
Audiobooks are not just for car rides; they are an excellent way to support developing readers! Hearing skilled narrators brings stories to life, teaches proper pacing, expression, and improves listening comprehension. Try pairing an audiobook with a physical copy of the book so your child can follow along. This dual exposure strengthens sight-word recognition and overall understanding.
Fun At-Home Activity: “Word Detective” Game
Make reading an interactive adventure! Choose a “word of the day” (start simple with words like “big,” “blue,” or “jump”) and challenge your child to spot it throughout the day—in books, around the house, on packaging, or even on the screen. Then, create a tally chart, give clues, or turn it into a race to see who can find it the most. You can rotate who picks the word each day to keep it exciting. It’s a playful way to boost word recognition while having fun as a family!
Submitted by Judy Howard, M.Ed.
Do you have any questions or ideas for the Parent Education Corner? Anything you’d like to learn? Let us know here!