Joyful Readers

Full-time reading tutors helping Philly students in K-3 become successful, confident, and yes…joyful readers!

06/05/2026

Tutor Final Service Day 💫

Nine months of dedication, growth, and impact. Our tutors showed up every single day with passion, patience, and purpose. The work they’ve poured into their students and this program has truly made a difference, and we couldn’t be more proud. 🎉
Today was especially powerful as we heard from our keynote speaker Fatim Byrd, alumni guest speaker Kai Burton, and our tutor‑nominated speaker Conita Pierson. Each brought inspiration, honesty, and powerful reflections that reminded us why this work matters so much. We also honored our first tutor who has committed 4 years of service with us Michael Seitter.

Join us in congratulating our tutors!👏💛

05/20/2026

Lets take a look back at Our Young Reader of the Year Awards🎉
The night was filled with joy, celebration, and inspiration. We were honored to recognize four incredible students who have made amazing strides in their reading this year!
From uplifting stories to meaningful connections, the evening brought together an amazing community of educators, supporters, and literacy champions across Philadelphia.
Together, we’re helping young readers grow into confident, successful learners. 📖✨

05/15/2026

📚Thank You for celebrating with us! ✨

Our Young Reader of the Year Awards was an unforgettable evening, and it wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible community.

Thank you to our sponsors, guests, and supporters for showing up and believing in the power of literacy. Because of you, we were able to honor four amazing students and the hard work they’ve put into growing as readers this year.

Your support helps us continue creating opportunities for students across Philadelphia to become confident, joyful readers. 💛

05/13/2026

🎉 Today’s the day! 📚✨
Our Young Reader of the Year Awards is happening tonight at the Science History Institute!!

Come celebrate tonight at 6pm with a community of educators, leaders, and literacy champions across Philadelphia.
Let’s celebrate the power of literacy together! 📖
Get your tickets: https://loom.ly/tfqhVF0

05/12/2026

Our Young Reader of the Year Awards is happening tomorrow May 13th, and we can’t wait to celebrate! 📚🎉
We’re honoring 4 incredible students who have made amazing progress in their reading this year, they will be recognized by their tutors!
Celebrate with us alongside educators, community leaders, and literacy champions across Philadelphia. Enjoy a chance to connect with the people helping our students become confident, successful readers!
🎟️ Tickets are free (donations welcome!) Your support helps us continue bringing joyful, research-driven literacy programs to students across the city! Grab yours today: https://loom.ly/tfqhVF0

05/07/2026

Meet our other Young Reader of the Year Award winners: Hasib and Rahmeir! 🌟

Hasib, a second grader at Arts and Sciences has shown incredible growth in his confidence since his first session back in October. Once hesitant to speak up, he now answers questions with enthusiasm and proudly insists on doing the thinking himself. His excitement when he knows an answer is truly inspiring! ✨

Rahmeir a second grader at Willard Elementary has demonstrated a thoughtful and mature approach to reading. He is dedicated to re-reading books to deepen his understanding and enjoys discussing what he learns. Even while looking forward to new stories, he takes pride in reflecting on every book he reads. 📚

We are so proud of all of these students’ hard work and can’t wait to celebrate their progress at the Young Reader of the Year Awards on May 13th at the Science History Institute at 6pm! 🎉Haven't snagged your tickets? Click here: https://loom.ly/tfqhVF0

05/05/2026

Meet two of our Young Reader of the Year Award winners: Elijah and Serenity! 🌟

Elijah is a 1st grader at McMichael Elementary who has made incredible progress in reading this year. His tutor, Nasharie, shared a special moment: “The first time he successfully blended the sounds in ‘cab,’ he immediately connected it to the front of a train and lit up.” 🚂💡

Serenity, a 1st grader at Mastery Clymer has a can-do spirit and a willingness to learn. Her tutor Sara says, “I’ve never heard anything except ‘Yes!’ or ‘Yay!’ from her during lessons. Even with tests, she’s eager to finish so she can show how much she’s learned.” 🎉📖

Stay tuned for our next awardee's! Turn those notifications on to stay up to date🔔

04/30/2026

We’re excited to announce our featured speaker for the upcoming Young Reader of the Year Awards: Matt Menschner, Principal at The Philadelphia Charter School of Arts and Science!🔭

When asked what he’s most looking forward to, he shared:
“I’m excited to honor our students achievements and celebrate their love of reading. It’s also so special to recognize the hard work and connections between our tutors and scholars.” 📖

We can’t wait to celebrate together, and we hope to see you there! 🎉
👉 RSVP and join us: https://loom.ly/tfqhVF0

04/24/2026

✨ YRA Tutor Nominator Week — Day 4 ✨
For Day 4, we’re spotlighting a first‑year tutor who jumped in with enthusiasm, heart, and a true commitment to helping young readers grow. 🌱📚
Starting something new is never easy but from day one, this tutor embraced the challenge, built meaningful connections, and showed up ready to learn right alongside their students.
🌟 Tutor Spotlight: Nasharie 🌟

💬 What should the world know about your tutoring experience with Joyful Readers?

Individualized support can be such a powerful tool for our young readers. Meeting students where they are, believing in them and supporting them consistently, is what allows for that incredible growth to happen. My experience with Joyful Readers has shown me how meaningful it is to be even one small part of a student's journey and growth as a reader.

🤝 How has your relationship with this student grown this year?

My relationship with the student has grown tremendously. In the beginning of the year, I focused on building trust and routines, which he quickly embraced. Over time, that relationship evolved into one built on encouragement and a shared excitement around reading. Most importantly, I have had the privilege of watching him grow into a more confident reader.

❤️ How has tutoring changed you?

It has made me a more creative and patient tutor. It has taught me that progress does not always happen all at once. Sometimes the biggest growth comes from small moments repeated over time. It has also reminded me that helping a student believe in themself can be just as important as the reading skills we practice. Last but not least, it has deepened my appreciation for everything our educators do, day in and day out.

Have you grabbed your tickets to the Young Reader of the Year awards?https://loom.ly/i6Gfqck

04/23/2026

✨ YRA Tutor Nominator Week — Day 3 ✨
For Day 3, we’re shining the spotlight on a tutor who might look a little familiar… 👀📸
That’s right, this tutor has made an appearance before, and for good reason! 📚💛We love celebrating tutors whose impact is worth a repeat feature.
🌟 Tutor Spotlight: Sara 🌟

💬 What should the world know about your tutoring experience with Joyful Readers?

I had no idea if I would even enjoy tutoring students for a whole school year. I have truly stepped outside my comfort zone when accepting this role but with all that I’ve put into Joyful Readers, I have gotten out so much more. This year has been one of the most demanding yet most rewarding thus far in my professional career!

🤝 How has your relationship with this student grown this year?

My student and I have developed more trust and confidence and she has remained the same warm, caring person I first met. Anytime I see her in passing or when I pull one of the other students in her class, she always waves and says hi to me. Because of her, I’ve grown accustomed to a chorus of “Hi Sara” whenever I enter the classroom.

❤️ How has tutoring changed you?
I remember my student hugged me on the first day we met, and her continuous kindheartedness has taught me to approach every social interaction with empathy. Whether you are an elementary school student or a middle-aged professional, we’re all still figuring out how to live and be human. It’s important to remember we are all in this together!

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Philadelphia, PA

Website

http://www.joyfulreaders.org/

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