Local educators are powering a literacy movement + here’s how to help

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In schools across Central Alabama, a quiet transformation is happening in children’s education.

At the center of this movement is Better Basics, a Birmingham-based nonprofit working to equip children with foundational reading and math skills. This year, their Intervention programs will reach more than 2,500 students—but there’s one challenge standing in the way of serving even more: a need for more certified teachers.

That’s why teacher recruitment is now a top priority.

The teacher-student connection that drives everything

Better Basics delivers reading and math intervention programs in partnership with local schools, focusing on early elementary students who need the most support. These aren’t one-size-fits-all lessons—they’re evidence-based, small group sessions led by certified teachers with real classroom experience.

And the results are hard to ignore. Last year alone, students in the Reading Intervention program averaged 1.5 years of reading growth in just 20 weeks. In math, students increased their known skills by 60%. These gains have sparked a growing demand for Better Basics’ Intervention programs amongst local schools.

As demand grows, so does the need for qualified educators who can continue this work. According to the team at Better Basics, the only barrier to expanding their reach is finding enough certified teachers to lead these groups.

“I just got to teach.”

What makes this opportunity different from a traditional classroom role? For teachers like Bernice Jones, it’s simple: all of the joy of teaching, without the extra noise.

Jones taught for 35 years before retiring. Now in her sixth year with Better Basics, she was recently named the organization’s 2025 Teacher of the Year.

“When the opportunity to teacher again came through, I wanted to do it. With Better Basics, I didn’t have to handle the paperwork, classroom management, and all the other things you do in the classroom—I just got to teach.”

Bernice Jones, 2025 Teach of the Year

In Better Basics’ model, certified teachers work part-time during the school day, focusing on small groups of three to four students. The nonprofit provides the curriculum, materials and training—what’s needed is the experience and passion that veteran educators bring to the table.

Apply today!

Whether you’re an educator, school leader or simply someone who believes in the power of literacy, connecting with Better Basics means the opportunity to change outcomes for children across Central Alabama.

Want to support Better Basics? Learn more about how you can help educators in your area. Apply today or share with an educator you know.

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