Become A Reading Coach

Our vision is that all children in Pima County will read at or above grade level by the end of third grade. It only takes one hour per week to be a volunteer Reading Coach, and the benefits to students and our community are tremendous!

What is a Reading Coach?

Reading Seed Reading Coaches work with students in 1st through 3rd grade who are reading below grade level. Their job is to make reading fun so students become independent readers who are excited about what they can learn! We ask that coaches meet weekly with a minimum of two students for 30 minutes each during the school year. Reading Seed Reading Coaches are currently working in over 9 school districts in Pima County, as well as charter and private schools.

How do I become a Reading Coach?

To become a Reading Coach, attendance is required at a single 3-hour training workshop. At the training, you’ll learn strategies to keep students engaged and interested, and ways to help them build their vocabulary, comprehension and confidence.  Most trainings are taught by Allan Tractenberg, a Reading Seed founding member and Reading Coach for more than 15 years.

You’ll also identify your top three school choices where you would like to volunteer and the grade level of students (1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd) you’d prefer to work with.

What happens after the training?

Following the clearance of your fingerprints and background check, Reading Seed staff will begin your placement at one of your school choices. After you’re placed at a school,  you’ll receive a welcome letter from Reading Seed with contact information for your school’s Site Coordinator and your designated Reading Seed Volunteer & School Coordinator.

The School Site Coordinator will contact you to discuss a regular time each week for you to come to the school and work with your students. Depending on the school district where you decide to volunteer, the clearance process can take up to 8 weeks. Please be patient as the process is completed and feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Please join us in helping the children of Pima County learn to read! Register for a training today!