Empowering Teens. Transforming READers. Strengthening Communities.
Who Are Teen Leaders?
Teen Leaders are high-school aged young people who work as one-to-one tutors to teach early elementary students foundational reading skills.
The Teen Leader position is a paid opportunity that allows high schoolers to gain meaningful work experience, while also making an impact on their communities serving as mentors. In addition to a paid position, Teen Leaders are offered professional and personal development opportunities.
The work experience and skills gained by Teen Leaders positions them to excel in their future college and career paths, and the income they earn contributes to their and their family’s financial well-being.
Read Alliance is dedicated to promoting job readiness and developing leadership and post-secondary skills in young people in our community and creating space for meaningful and supportive near-peer mentorship promoting social and emotional learning.
The term Teen Leader was created by a former tutor in recognition of the dynamic role they play in the READ Program and in the lives of the young children with whom they are paired.
“What I love most about my job is the bond I build with the kids… They look up to me and view me as a role model.”
— Leannah C., READ Teen Leader
Top 10 Reasons to be a Teen Leader
- You will play a special and signifigant role in the reading improvement of young elementary students.
- You will help underserved children meet and exceed their goals in the classroom.
- You will realize your full potential by investing in your community.
- You will gain meaningful work experience to build your resume.
- You will participate in workshops and events.
- You will be a part of a powerful team and make new friends.
- You will be appreciated. Your students will look forward to seeing you each day. Some students will even cry when they leave for the day because reading with their Teen Leaders is that important to them!
- You will be a role model. Your students will look up to you.
- You will meet the parents of your students and may hear stories about how their child wouldn’t stop talking about you at the dinner table.
- You will share the joy of your students’ achievements and become more confident in each other and in yourselves.