-By Ruby Jockers, 2019-2020 Literacy First Tutor When a Literacy First student graduated for the first time at our campus earlier this year, it was an exciting day for everyone on our team, as we watched this Kindergarten student proudly walk out the classroom holding her graduation certificate. However, when I went to pick up […]
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Blog
A Literacy First Tutor’s Favorite Things
By Rachel Peterson, 2019-2020 Literacy First Tutor My Team By the end of our Pre-Service Training, I had interacted with as many of the 50+ Literacy First AmeriCorps members as I could. The 2nd/3rd year leaders were stationed around the room with signage to welcome their new crews. My name was called with three members […]
Read MoreSeeing Progress
At the mid-year mark, one Literacy First tutor reflects on student victories big and small. By Abigail Chopp, 2019-2020 Literacy First Tutor I love being able to see, on paper, the tangible progress that my students are making. That makes Wednesdays the most exciting day of the week for me. That is the day that we test our […]
Read MoreThe Magic of Stickers
A Literacy First tutor learns that stickers, no matter how small, can hold magic and motivation for students.
Read More“My kiddo did it!” – A Graduation Story
By Rachel Peterson, 2019-2020 Literacy First Tutor I did it! I graduated a kiddo! Or rather, my kiddo did it! Mariana read at a level high enough to pass out of our program. I am really proud of her. When I started working with Mariana, I knew she would be a ball of excitement and […]
Read MoreAlumni Spotlight: Annika Olson
Annika Olson serves as an Assistant Director of Policy Research at the University of Texas at Austin’s Institute for Urban Policy and Research Analysis, whose mission is to “strengthen Black communities, promote social justice, and combat anti-Black racism using a racial equity framework.” Read on to learn how her experience as a Literacy First tutor […]
Read MoreCommunity Comes Together for 26th Annual Swearing In Ceremony
For the 26th consecutive year, Literacy First welcomed a new cohort of AmeriCorps members to the program with an inspiring Swearing In Ceremony. More than 50 tutors officially pledged a year of service at the Thompson Conference Center on Monday, September 9th. Dr. Mary Ellen Isaacs, Literacy First Director, opened the ceremony with a message on the persistent […]
Read MoreSetting the Benchmark Higher
For more than six years, Literacy First has been proud to count Benchmark Bank as a dedicated corporate partner. The homegrown business has provided immeasurable time, talent and treasure to the program, including acting as a founding sponsor of the young professional-planned fundraiser “The Study Social”. Since its inception in 2014, the event has grown […]
Read MoreAlumni Spotlight: Johnathan Salinas
Johnathan Salinas was studying Music Performance at Texas State before joining Literacy First. He’s now a first-grade teacher. In this Alumni Q&A, he talks about how the program gave him the “strong foundation” he needed to begin a career in education. What were you doing before joining Literacy First?Before joining Literacy First, I was finishing […]
Read MoreCelebrating Uniqueness with Author Jennifer Lynch
When asked to give a synopsis of her new children’s book, Livi & Grace, in one sentence, author Jennifer Lynch pauses thoughtfully. After a few moments of reflection, she relays what she writes when signing a copy – “Love your uniqueness.” It’s clear that Jennifer’s brief hesitation is due to her deep, personal connection with […]
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