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STAIR of Birming, reading, tutoring, volunteer — Jason Gruber, STAIR of Birmingham volunteer (STAIR of Birmingham)

Getting lost in the pages of a good book is a wonderful hobby, but being able to read is vital to success in school and everyday life. This is where STAIR of Birmingham steps in to lead local students to reading success.

We spoke with one of the program’s volunteer tutors to find out what it’s like to help kids learn to read and how you can sign up to become a tutor, too.

Creating a love of reading in Birmingham

Jason Gruber has always loved to read. When he heard a radio ad about volunteering with STAIR of Birmingham, he knew it was the perfect way for him to give back to the community.

“Reading has always been a huge part of my life growing up. It’s brought me a lot of joy in my life. It’s brought me a lot of opportunities.

I became a volunteer tutor because I wanted to pass that onto people who maybe didn’t have a connection to reading like I had. ”
Jason Gruber, volunteer, STAIR of Birmingham

If you don’t know much about STAIR, it’s a childhood literacy nonprofit in Birmingham that trains volunteer tutors to partner with 1st- and 2nd-grade students to help them become rockstars at reading.

A cool thing about being a STAIR Volunteer is that almost anyone can do it. There is no background in education required, and all you need is the ability to read and a willingness to partner with one local student for a school semester or year.

STAIR even provides an easy-to-follow curriculum proven to produce results for young readers. Volunteers work with their students on how to read certain letter combinations or rhyming words and also read a book together during each session.

Jason recently completed his second year as a volunteer and plans to continue when school starts back again this fall.

“It makes you feel good to go and spend time with these kids and see them get excited about making progress and learning to read. It’s such a small thing you can do. It’s an hour out of my week, and it makes a huge difference for the people you’re working with.”
Jason Gruber, volunteer, STAIR of Birmingham

Go on a reading adventure with Birmingham students—become a STAIR volunteer now.

How are local students doing in reading?

If you’re a parent, you’re likely familiar with the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP).

ACAP is an online assessment taken by second-eighth graders each April.

It’s designed to provide students, parents, teachers, administrators and Alabama residents with information regarding student progress toward mastery of the Alabama Course of Study Standards.

Assessments cover English, Language Arts, and math. Students in fourth, sixth, and eighth grades are also tested in science.

Mallory Shaneyfelt, Director of External Communications of STAIR of Birmingham, filled us in on some recent stats.

“We are most excited to see the Birmingham City Schools show an increase in scores from 55% to 81% of third-grade students reading on level. This is incredible.”
Mallory Shaneyfelt, Director of External Communications, STAIR of Birmingham

While these stats show that literacy among 3rd graders in Birmingham City Schools is increasing, Mallory said there is still more to do.

Become a STAIR of Birmingham volunteer

Ready to help local students become great readers? It’s easy to sign up.

Here are a few things you need to know:

No background in education is required.
Adult volunteers must be at least 19 years old.
High school volunteers 16-18 years old require guardian consent + must be able to attend all tutoring sessions.

Tutoring sessions at 12 different sites across Birmingham begin each day between 3-3:30PM, Monday-Thursday, and last 45 minutes.

To sign up to be a STAIR of Birmingham volunteer—fill out this application.

After submitting your form, stay tuned to your email for important next steps including: