The READ Team began in 2014 and currently serves in six Jackson-Madison County schools: Alexander, Andrew Jackson, Arlington, Isaac Lane, Lincoln, and Rose Hill. The program pairs volunteer coaches with second grade students to help improve their sight word recognition. By volunteering just one hour each week from September to April, coaches can make a measurable impact on the lives of our students. On average, students participating in the The READ Team increase their sight word recognition by 290% in just one school year. Other program service opportunities include driving the WOW Wagon (one of our mobile libraries) within the community and donating books. This United Way program is generously supported by Leaders Education Foundation.
W.O.W. Wagon (Words on Wheels)
As an extension of The READ Team, The WOW Wagon is a mobile library that provides free books to children in local neighborhoods and schools within our service area. If you are interested in hosting the Wagon at your school or community event, please notify us at least two weeks prior to your event. Commitments are dependent upon book inventory and the availability of our staff and volunteers.
Volunteer to Coach
If the idea of helping second grade students become better readers excites you, sign up to serve as a volunteer reading coach for the upcoming school year. For just one hour each week, you can personally coach a student and help set the stage for their long-term success. Applications for the 2025-26 academic year will open in July.
Volunteer to Drive
We are always looking for volunteers who can drive the WOW Wagon to local neighborhoods and schools within our service area. Drivers much 18 years or older. If you are interested in serving in this capacity, contact Mandy Hobson at mhobson@unitedway.tn.org to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
The READ Team volunteer coaches commit to helping second graders in Jackson-Madison County schools improve their sight word recognition for one hour each week. By using books, flashcards, board games, and other fun methods, they help students memorize the most common words encountered in texts.
Volunteer coaches are required to attend a one-hour training session in August or September and must dedicate one hour each week to helping students throughout the school year (from September to April).
No. While some of our volunteers are retired teachers, anyone who is 18 years or older can volunteer with The READ Team. All volunteers are trained to use both lists and books to help students improve their sight word recognition.
Sight words, also known as high-frequency words, constitute more than 70% of the words used in children's books and daily writing. Recognizing these words by sight, compared to sounding them out, can help early readers progress faster.
Absolutely! If you are unable to commit to a full school year, you can volunteer as a substitute coach! Substitutes will be notified if a full-time coach is unavailable during any given week.
We also welcome volunteers who can assist with the WOW Wagon! These individuals help sort and shelve donated books, assist children with selecting books, and pull the Wagon to local neighborhoods and community events.
For more info, contact mhobson@unitedway.tn.org.
Yes! If you are interested in hosting the WOW Wagon at your school or community event, contact Mandy at mhobson@unitedway.tn.org. Commitments are dependent upon book inventory and the availability of staff and volunteers.
The WOW Wagon can only attend event within United Way of West Tennessee's 15-county service area.