Tabetha Cox
Chief Programs Officer
Tabetha joined the READ USA team in October 2021, as the Tutoring Program Director. Tabetha grew up in California and was emancipated from the foster care system at the age of 16. Since then, her focus has been lifelong learning and seeking a highly literate world for children in poverty. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Tabetha served 7 years on active duty as a Military Police Officer and Trainer. Serving before, during, and after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, she played an integral role in the training, preparation, and upscaling of physical security, anti-terrorism, and force protection measures both stateside and overseas. She met her husband, Josh, during dual service in Italy.
After her service, Tabetha earned a Bachelor’s in Teaching from Pensacola State College and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from University of Phoenix. She has covered various roles throughout Escambia and Duval County Public Schools including Pre-K through 4th grade classroom teacher, Reading Coach, and mentor teacher to interns and college level educators, all in Title 1 schools. She was awarded teacher of the year at Sadie T. Tillis in 2018 and earned a spot as a top 5 finalist for Duval’s teacher of the year. Tabetha currently serves as President of the Duval Literacy Association and on the Florida Literacy Association Children’s Book Award Committee.
Her family is her greatest joy, and her home is never quiet. Tabetha and Josh have 10 children, some who joined their family through adoption. They have seven daughters: Hayley, Audrey, Patience, Desarae, Julie, Sydney, and Kaitlyn; and three sons: Corbin, Kenneth, and Connor. Obviously, the girls rule the house! Her husband, Josh, is a Command Master Chief entering his23rd year of military service. Their family loves movie nights, board games, baseball, and soccer. Mrs. Cox reads at least an hour a day and believes that reading is the key to freedom and choice.