Reading Seed, the children's literacy program sponsored by the Rotary Club of Tucson, is seeking new volunteer reading coaches to help children reading below grade level in elementary schools in Pima County.
"We have a large number of dedicated volunteer reading coaches, and we expect most to return this school year," said Reading Seed Executive Director Betty Kalil Knott. "We still need hundreds of additional coaches to meet one-on-one with the children who are not reading at grade level and could benefit from working with a coach."

A reading coach's job is to make reading fun so students become independent readers and are able to read to learn. To become a reading coach only requires attendance at one free three-hour training workshop and spending a minimum of one hour a week reading one-on-one with two students (one-half hour each) during the school day. Volunteers choose a school close to their work or home, and can choose whether they want to work with 1st, 2nd or 3rd grade students.

The training workshops are free. Individuals who are interested in becoming a reading coach, or just finding out more about the program, are invited to attend one of the upcoming workshops. To find out more information, including workshop dates or to make a reservation, call Reading Seed at 798-0700 or send an email to info@readingseed.org. Water will be provided; attendees are welcome to bring snacks.

Reading Seed's mission is to have all children in Pima County schools reading at or above grade level by the end of third grade. The 2007-2008 school year will be the 13th year of Reading Seed volunteers making a difference in the lives of children.

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