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America Reads-Mississippi (ARM)

"Tutors with a Mission"

"America Reads-Mississippi is dedicated to improving the reading skills of students, encouraging public awareness and support of literacy, and helping to increase the number of certified teachers in Mississippi." - ARM's Mission Statement

Program Description

America Reads-Mississippi began in 1998 with 200 AmeriCorps members, partnering with two Universities, Delta State University (DSU) and Mississippi State University (MSU), and included 18 school districts and 29 school sites.  Now, the program has grown to partner with four additional universities:  Alcorn State University, Jackson State University, University of Mississippi, and University of Southern Mississippi.

America Reads-Mississippi addresses the AmeriCorps issue area of education. Currently, there exist 350 AmeriCorps members statewide serving at 80 schools throughout Mississippi. These members tutor 1st-3rd students on a full-time one-on-one and small-group basis. Sessions proceed during the school day, before and after school, and over holiday and summer breaks. Additionally, members assist schools in promoting communication with parents, recruiting community volunteers for tutoring in the schools, and implementing literacy-related community service activities and projects centered around five national service days: Make a Difference Day in October, MLK Day in January, Read Across America Day in March, National Global Youth Day in April and National AmeriCorps week in May.

Through tutoring and other service projects, ARM endeavors to enrich the lives of elementary school students, parents, and community members. Additionally, ARM sponsors monthly member training at the university regional centers and statewide quarterly member Team Leader and Future Teacher Corps training in Jackson.

The AmeriCorps tutors utilize their education award to attend college and become certified teachers, helping to decrease Mississippi’s critical teacher shortage. Through ARM, the AmeriCorps members learn about themselves, their role in society, and their connection to their community. Each year, an average of 75% of ARM members indicates their desire to become certified teachers. Many former members have used their federal education award to become teachers and are now teaching in schools where they once served.

For more information, check out the America Reads-Mississippi website at http://www.americareadsms.org.
To speak with an America Reads-Mississippi representative, please contact one of the following:

Regional Coordinator, Carla Ross @ 662.846.4812 or cross@deltastate.edu
Administrative Assistant, Lestine Rogers @ 662.846.4337 or lrogers@deltastate.edu
Program Associate, Helen Wade @ 662.846.4863 or hwade@deltastate.edu 
 

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