Since 2008, the NKY Education Council has worked with local school districts to change the lives of elementary students with a focus on reading and math skills.
The motto for the successful One to One: Practicing Reading and Math with Students program, “Coach a child – change a life,” continues to ring true by pairing first to third-grade students with community volunteers once a week during the school year.
The “one to one” coaching model is a collaborative effort based on engagement, a child’s interest, and motivation. At the heart of this initiative is the relationship between a coach and a child.
According to TANK employee Barry Harsaran, a One to One coach in Covington Schools, “You don’t have to look at test scores or wait for results to come in; you can see the progress being made right in front of you. Over time they get hooked on reading and start to really like it.”
One to One is currently seeking volunteers to become new reading coaches for the 2018-2019 academic year.
With a growing need in many participating schools, the Council looks to secure approximately 70 new community members to support students at 34 schools across Northern Kentucky.
After attending a training session in October, volunteer coaches will practice with the same student for 35 minutes once a week in a simple format that emphasizes reading, writing and building basic skills. Coaching sessions are coordinated based on the volunteer’s availability during the school day. Coaches do not need a background in education or teaching, only the desire to give back to students.
Both daytime and evening training sessions are being held in October for those interested in becoming a One to One coach. To view upcoming training opportunities and sign up to attend, visit this website.
For more information, visit the Northern Kentucky Education Council website under One to One or contact Staci Hunt Ramsey at sramsey@nkyec.org or 859-282-9214.
