This father-daughter tutoring duo is boosting student literacy + how you can too

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As the school year ends, Birmingham’s youngest readers have graduated from first and second grade with a newfound love of literature. And it’s all thanks to the dedication of teachers, families and the incredible tutors at STAIR of Birmingham.

Read on to meet the father-daughter duo helping make this program a success and how you can sign up to be a part of a young reader’s journey in the 2025-2026 school year.

Meet STAIR’s father/daughter tutoring duo

It takes a special person to turn words on a page into a world of imagination and passion for reading.

In Birmingham, STAIR’s dedicated tutors are igniting that spark in young readers by showing them that reading isn’t just a skill, it’s an adventure. 

Through the STAIR program, first and second graders are paired with trained tutors who guide them one-on-one on their literacy journey. Bailey Douthit has been a STAIR tutor for several years at Restoration Academy in Fairfield. 

“Interacting with a student from the beginning to the end of the year is incredibly rewarding.

With the investment of teachers, schools, parents and STAIR, it’s amazing to see how far each student has come by the end of the year.”

Bailey Douthit tutor, STAIR of Birmingham  

Bailey has enjoyed tutoring with STAIR so much she encouraged her Dad, Charlie Douthit, to become one, too. This year was Charlie’s first experience tutoring with the program, and he enjoyed every moment. 

“We all need a little practice and encouragement to grow. And while parents and caregivers do their best, sometimes their words don’t always stick.

But when someone else steps in to support a child’s reading journey, it reinforces the message, and makes an even bigger impact in the long run.”

Charlie Douthit, tutor, STAIR of Birmingham  

What parents are saying about STAIR of Birmingham

STAIR tutors are paired with one student each school year and work with them one to two days each week. Each tutoring session is 45 minutes long. 

It may sound like a short amount of time, but the impact STAIR’s tutors have on students is evident in their progress throughout the program after school and in the classroom at school.

Their parents have seen this impact firsthand. Here’s what they had to say about how the program has boosted their kids’ reading and comprehension skills this year:

“Leyah is sounding out her words, which has increased her ability to read a story. She’s trying on her own before she asks for help. She is so dedicated and excited when she comes to STAIR. I have loved the experience.”

Ebony, Leyah’s mother

”STAIR has been awesome. Adonese started out not being able to read at all and he’s progressed tremendously. He can read sight words, he can sound out words, he’s really getting there.” 

Santavia, Adonese’s mother

How do the STAIR grads feel about their time in the program? Hop over to STAIR’s Instagram to check out their most recent posts. Trust me, you’ll be so glad you did.

Interested in becoming a STAIR of Birmingham tutor? Learn more + fill out an application now.

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