Kris was gracious enough to agree to answer a few questions I had about her and The Augustine Literacy Project Winston-Salem. I appreciate it since she just came for chit-chat and lunch, but ended up being the subject of my blog post. Who knows, maybe you’ll read this and it will inspire you to contact Kris to become a tutor or volunteer to help a struggling reader in some way. There are plenty of ways to get involved, become a volunteer and make a difference. The need is great. What are you waiting for?
So, without further ado, meet Kris Cox:
Are you originally from North Carolina?
No, I am an import. My husband, Chris was born and raised in Winston-Salem. I think it is the perfect place to raise a family.
What led you to want to help children with reading struggles?
I am a certified teacher and my passion has always been in elementary education. I have taught first, third and fifth grades. I left the classroom to be a stay at home mom. I also have a daughter who has Dyslexia. I am passionate about reading… every child deserves to learn how to read.
How’d you hear about the Augustine Literacy Project?
I heard about the Augustine Literacy Project® through a friend of mine that was involved in the program. I knew it was something that I would love to do when the time was right.
The Augustine Literacy Project is now under the umbrella of ReadWS (Read*Write*Spell) what comes with the expansion of the program?
ReadWS continues to grow its Augustine Literacy Project® program and has launched additional components, all based on its same multisensory, structured language approach (Orton-Gillingham), known to help children with reading difficulties.
Current ReadWS programs are:
- Volunteer tutoring (Augustine Literacy Project® program)
- Educator Training
- Parent Education
- Free Resources/Advocacy
- Camp Moonshot
How long have you been with ReadWS?
I started as a volunteer ALP tutor in 2010 and began working as the Tutor Coach in 2012. In 2014, I became the Assistant Director and I have recently been named as the Director of the Winston-Salem Augustine Literacy Project® and Camp Moonshot.
What would you say to encourage someone to become a tutor?
Our tagline is Tutor One Child. Change Two Lives. I believe that. The gift of literacy is one that cannot be lost, stolen, consumed or taken away. It lasts forever. Teaching a child to unlock the difficult code of the English language through reading and writing is an experience like no other. Our volunteers need a willing heart and we will train you to do the rest. Join us! You will be glad you did. We currently have over 150 tutors working in 27 area schools. WE WANT YOU!
The mission of ReadWS is to reach, teach and advocate for struggling readers by training tutors, educators and parents use the evidence-based best practices of a multisensory, structured literacy approach.
What advice would you have for a parent of a struggling reader?
My advice is to learn as much as you can to be an advocate for your child. Call our office and we will help you navigate the process.
If a parent feels their child may benefit from an Augustine Literacy Project Tutor, how do they do that?
Visit our website at www.readws.org or call us at 336-723-4391 ext. 1506. We serve students who are on free/reduced lunch, reading a year or more below grade level and are not being served in the Exceptional Children Program.
Any exciting news to share about the future of ReadWS?
Yes! We are piloting a five-week summer day camp. Camp Moonshot will serve 40 low-income, rising first and second grade students. It will have an OG literacy base infused with enrichment activities in the afternoons. We plan to create a model that can be replicated in neighborhoods throughout our county.
Thanks Kris!
Become a tutor. I did!