My name is Yolanda Eng. I’m the new Team Read Board President and a former reading coach. Team Read gave me the opportunity to have a meaningful job experience, exposed me to the inequities that impact student success, and taught me to take ownership of my community. This is what led me to join the board and continue investing in the next generation of leaders.
With students settling back into in-person classes this fall, we’re learning about all that they’ve missed and working to get them back on track. According to a recent study by McKinsey & Company, K-12 students were, on average, four months behind in reading by the end of the last school year. The long-term consequences of extended school closures and remote learning are even more significant for children who started last year reading below grade level. As a Team Read coach, I remember seeing the tremendous impact the program had not only on improving reading skills for student readers, but also providing the social-emotional support needed for academic success.
This year Team Read is growing to reach even more students! We’re partnering with two new districts–Renton and Tukwila–as well as several new elementary schools in Seattle and Highline.
“In our area, there’s a big need for community-centered programs,” said Midway Elementary Principal, Debbie Ellis. “Our families are constantly asking for after-school programming to help their kids. Team Read offers an incredible opportunity to serve both teens and young readers.”
Thanks to our district partners and generous supporters like you, the Highline Team Read program has doubled in size over the past five years. Third grade teacher, Marquia Monteiro, worked closely with families to enroll students in the program. “The teen tutors have a lot of ‘bling’ factor. They’re a perfect match for our young students because they’re fun and engaging,” she explained.
It’s going to be a great year for our powerful pairs, and with your support, Team Read can provide valuable opportunities for even more young readers and teens in King County and beyond. Your donation helps provide tutoring materials and supplies; training for reading coaches and site coordinators/assistants; professional development for teen coaches; and student and family engagement.
Make your gift online today or mail a check to: PO Box 94042, Seattle, WA 98124. For other ways to give or to get more involved with Team Read, please contact development@teamread.org.
On behalf of everyone at Team Read, we wish you a very happy holiday season and we encourage you to curl up with a good book and READ!
Sincerely,
Yolanda Eng
Team Read Board President and Alumna