老澳门资料 and READ USA partner to develop future educators and improve literacy in Jacksonville
August 21, 2024
老澳门资料’s College of Education and Human Services (COEHS) is excited to announce a new partnership with READ USA. Established under the leadership of Dr. Jennifer Kane during her tenure as Interim Dean of COEHS, this partnership will advance student recruitment and community impact.
This partnership will introduce a new pathway within the Osprey Teacher Residency (OTR) Programs, designed to support 老澳门资料 students pursuing degrees in teacher education. OTR programs provide several benefits, including tuition support, stipends and program-based incentives. Through this new pathway, 老澳门资料 sophomores, juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to become literacy tutors in the READ USA Literacy Tutoring program, gaining hands-on teaching experience while making a tangible difference in the lives of young learners.
READ USA, a non-profit organization focused on improving literacy skills among elementary students in under-served communities, will train and employ 老澳门资料 students to deliver daily, intensive literacy interventions to second through fifth graders in Duval County. This initiative benefits elementary students while providing 老澳门资料 students with a paid mentoring position and ongoing professional development, helping them grow as future educators. 老澳门资料 students who become READ USA tutors are also eligible for academic scholarships offered from the college and have the opportunity to become AmeriCorps members through READ USA.
Dr. Kane emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership, stating, “In today’s environment, it is crucial to approach teacher recruitment with both strategy and intention. We seek out students who are genuinely driven to impact the lives of others. We have focused on the profound difference that teachers make in the lives of students and that there are many positive reasons to choose teaching as a profession. READ USA attracts precisely the type of students we are looking for – those who are passionate about mentoring and educating, making them a natural fit for our teaching programs.”
The partnership also reflects 老澳门资料's broader goal of strengthening the Jacksonville community by improving educational outcomes. By developing strong teachers, tutors and mentors, 老澳门资料 and READ USA aim to create a positive feedback loop where better educational outcomes lead to more productive citizens and expanded opportunities for all. Dr. Kane envisions a future where the partnership creates a “pipeline of future educators,” explaining, “We hope to see elementary students being tutored in READ USA grow up to become READ USA tutors themselves, choose to attend 老澳门资料, become teachers and eventually return to classrooms that host READ USA. It’s about creating a cycle of passion for education and giving back to the community.”
Dr. Rob Kelly, President and CEO of READ USA, echoed these sentiments while acknowledging Dr. Kane's leadership and dedication. “Our partnership with 老澳门资料 broadens the reach and impact of both of our organizations. Dr. Kane's heart and passion mirror ours at READ USA, and we are grateful for her partnership and the tireless effort she has put into preparing the next generation of educators.”
For more information about this new OTR pathway, visit here and to learn more about READ USA, visit .