A Dream Job: Changing Lives

Kathy Macaraeg, a credentialed California teacher with a busy family, was looking for an opportunity, a place where she could truly make a difference in students’ lives. Kathy loved her student teaching experience in a reading intervention classroom, but she was not able to teach full-time. 

J3 Foundation was looking for Reading Coaches, and though the job wouldn’t be easy, it was manageable for Kathy and her family. “I really miss the classroom…I couldn’t get it out of my head.’”

Now,  just a few months into her work at Laurel Elementary as a J3 Reading Coach, Kathy calls this her dream job. Intense focus on a few children produces big results. “I have 27 kids: but 4-7 at a time, and a small space to help them learn to read. I just LOVE reading – and I get to share that with them.” Everyone feels good when they’re succeeding!

Small Groups, Big Changes

The most common trait among incarcerated adults is the inability to read, and studies show that two-thirds of low literacy kids will end up on welfare or in prison without prompt intervention. J3 Foundation’s unique approach draws upon research examining how kids fall behind, and what truly helps in reaching a child. Their approach is to teach foundational skills and a love of learning before early lapses grow into adult problems.

In a larger classroom, so many factors can get in the way of an individual child’s educational success, including the busy environment, logistics, pacing, and crowded classes. J3’s program removes the barriers present in a traditional classroom, streamlining the teaching and learning process to maximize effectiveness.

J3’s reading intervention teaches foundational skills and strategies. But equally important is a new way of thinking about reading—as a pleasure, students learn to share with their coaches, a deeply satisfying feeling for all involved. 

Research shows that elementary students benefit most from shorter but more frequent reading sessions. 30-60 minutes, scheduled during the school day, reinforces learning. 

Students learn most effectively in small groups, led by a talented and engaged teacher. J3 Reading Coaches draw on their experience and on specialized, ongoing training to learn and respond to individual students’ needs. With their coaches’ encouragement, kids experience academic success—many for the first time. Their transformation is greater than just learning to read effectively: with J3, they become joyful learners. 

Kathy adds, “The kids are thriving. They’re all growing; they’re getting it. They’re excited and proud of themselves.”

Small Changes, Big Results

Books that open a new world, a place to learn, and a welcoming group of motivated friends and wise coaches: these are the hallmarks of J3’s programming. J3 needs your help to step in and change a child’s world. The support of contributors like you makes the difference between a life of learning or a life of struggle.

Your direct, vital impact starts when you donate today.