United Way of West Tennessee seeking volunteer reading coaches for The READ Team
PRESS RELEASE FROM UNITED WAY OF WEST TENNESSEE:
United Way of West Tennessee Seeking Volunteer Reading Coaches for The READ Team
Jackson, Tenn. (Jan. 16, 2024) – United Way of West Tennessee’s literacy program, The READ Team, aims to recruit 10 volunteer coaches for the winter/spring semester at six Jackson-Madison County schools by January 22, 2024.
The READ Team is a literacy program that helps ensure second-grade students can read on grade level by third grade. Formerly known as Arise2Read, this program has helped nearly 2,300 students improve their reading skills since the program’s inception in January 2014.
Volunteer coaches spend just one hour each week helping a child learn and read sight words. In addition to advancing their literacy ability, one-on-one coaching also helps participating students feel more connected with the community.
“In a few short months, I have seen several students increase their confidence in the classroom and heard several educators talk about how helpful The READ Team has been,” said Mark Cancia, United Way Director of School and Community Engagement.
The READ Team operates through the work of around 100 volunteers who help 180+ students from six Jackson-Madison County Elementary schools: Alexander, Andrew Jackson, Arlington, Isaac Lane, Lincoln, and Rose Hill. Coaches must be 18 years or older and complete a one-hour training session before volunteering. Volunteer coaching takes place throughout the school year.
“If you can read, you can coach,” exclaimed Melissa Pratt, an avid program volunteer.
Join The READ Team as they bring positive change to the community, one word at a time. If interested in serving as a volunteer coach, sign up at thereadteam.org.
ABOUT The READ Team
The READ Team, formerly ARISE2Read Jackson-Madison County, began in 2014 and currently serves in six Jackson-Madison County Elementary schools. The READ Team pairs volunteer coaches with second-grade students to help improve their sight word recognition.
About United Way of West Tennessee
Established in 1941, United Way of West Tennessee is a nonprofit organization in Jackson, Tenn. that advocates for equity through uniting agencies in ways that improve each person’s access to health, education, and financial stability.
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