UNF and READ USA partner to develop future educators and improve literacy in Jacksonville

The University of North Florida's College of Education and Human Services (COEHS) is excited to announce a new partnership with READ USA to develop future educators and improve literacy in Jacksonville.

Established under the leadership of Dr. Jennifer Kane during her tenure as interim dean of COEHS, this partnership creates a pathway for UNF students within the Osprey Teacher Residency program. It allows UNF sophomores, juniors and seniors pursuing degrees in teacher education to become literacy tutors in the READ USA Literacy Tutoring program.

Employed UNF students will be trained by READ USA to deliver daily, intensive literacy interventions to second through fifth graders in Duval County, providing a hands-on teaching experience while benefiting young learners. READ USA tutors are also eligible for academic scholarships provided by the college and have the opportunity to become AmeriCorps members.

The partnership also reflects UNF's broader goal of strengthening the Jacksonville community by improving educational outcomes. By developing strong teachers, tutors and mentors, UNF and READ USA aim to create a positive feedback loop where better educational outcomes lead to more productive citizens and expanded opportunities for all.

"We hope to see elementary students being tutored in READ USA grow up to become READ USA tutors themselves, choose to attend UNF, become teachers and eventually return to classrooms that host READ USA," said Kane. "It's about creating a cycle of passion for education and giving back to the community."

Visit the Read USA Literacy Tutoring webpagefor more information about this new OTR pathway or learn more about READ USA.