Community Partner Spotlight: Team Read
January 12, 2026
SAL is excited to spotlight our community partner, Team Read! Read on to learn more about their work in Seattle and say hello to them in the lobby at our upcoming events with Honorée Fanonne Jeffers and more.
Team Read propels young students to become inspired, joyful readers, and teens to become impactful leaders, ready to succeed in school and life, building stronger communities for all. Our goal is to ensure that young students who need the most support become confident, capable readers. Through high-quality, one-on-one tutoring, we help them build the skills they need to succeed—not just in school, but in life. At the same time, we empower and challenge teens to become reading coaches, providing them with meaningful work, leadership opportunities, and the chance to make lasting change in their communities.
Team Read helps 2nd–4th graders reading below grade level develop skills and confidence. Many enter the program with little confidence, or they say that they “don’t want to read” due to negative past experiences. Each reader is paired with a carefully trained teen reading coach from a nearby high school. Our structured sessions provide consistency, allowing readers to build a bank of successful experiences with their tutors, increasing their confidence. Reading coaches work with students twice weekly using a curriculum developed with district literacy specialists. This curriculum is focused on literacy fundamentals: phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency. Exercises include phonics worksheets to help develop foundational skills, word games that provide extra practice with phonological awareness, and focused time reading out loud and answering comprehension questions. This work supplements classroom instruction and aligns with districts’ literacy priorities. Coaches’ patience, creativity, and their reassurance and consistent reading support are key to their students’ progress.
Reading coaches complete a job application and are screened to ensure they meet minimum job qualifications. Once hired, teens receive online and in-person training, and are paid minimum wage for their work. They are held accountable for their work through regular hours, clear performance expectations and evaluations along with regular constructive feedback to support and nurture their success.
Reading coaches share the communities and cultures of the students they are tutoring and learn to be mentors and advocates for their students and what it means to invest in community and service. They learn skills that are relevant to their tutoring and to any future work. Coaches have access to further training opportunities throughout the school year, with workshops covering topics such as working with English Language Learners, managing behavior challenges, and using word games to build skills. We also offer a “guest speaker” workshop series, where community members share their expertise in financial literacy, resume writing, and college prep.
Team Read is more than a literacy program—it’s a community-driven model that builds skills, representation, and leadership. By centering mentorship and cultural connection, we’re helping students and teens grow into confident learners and future leaders. A key strength of the program is its ability to foster strong community relationships and partnerships across different age groups. Teachers, principals, and families consistently share how Team Read helps students build confidence—not just as readers, but as individuals. Many form strong bonds with their coaches, especially when paired with teens who share their language and cultural background. This representation matters. It reinforces identity and belonging while helping students see themselves as capable learners.
