Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
See how 25 years, thousands of students + 1 extraordinary volunteer have boosted literacy in Birmingham
Reading time: 3 minutes
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If you’ve ever met John Myatt, you know his smile is as strong as his commitment to the Magic City’s youngest readers. For more than a decade, he’s been at the heart of STAIR of Birmingham, a nonprofit that pairs local tutors with students for weekly reading sessions to boost literacy skills.
Read on to discover how John’s story and STAIR’s bold future are shaping brighter futures—plus details on their 25th anniversary.
From tutor to Program Director
A retired FedEx Operations Manager and military veteran, John began his journey with STAIR as a volunteer tutor in 2016—and never looked back.
“I thought I was just signing up to help a child read. But what I found was a calling. Every book, every smile, every breakthrough moment reminds me of why this work matters.”
John Myatt, Program Director, STAIR of Birmingham
His first student—a second grader who didn’t know the alphabet—ignited John’s commitment to STAIR’s mission of instilling confidence and a love for reading.
Over the years, he rose to become Program Director, something he told us was never part of his plan but a welcome opportunity to further his passion. Today, he oversees site staff, supports tutors and ensures the program continues to grow stronger each year.
“The only growth I’ve ever aimed for is the ability to get better at enhancing the reading skills of students in our program.”
John Myatt, Program Director, STAIR of Birmingham
Looking back
Since John first joined STAIR, the program has gone through enormous growth.
“I’ve witnessed the program increase from five or six sites to 15, including two affiliate sites. We’ve moved from church basements to classrooms inside schools, upgraded our curriculum, strengthened tutor training and built a well-stocked library at each site.”
John Myatt, Program Director, STAIR of Birmingham
FUN FACT: Every STAIR student is now able to take home at least 12 books to start their very own library. See how the Birmingham Community came together last summer to make it possible.
Looking ahead
It’s exciting to see how far STAIR has come—and even more exciting to look ahead. The organization is launching new initiatives that will take them into the next chapter of their story. Here’s what they’ve been up to:
- Adding new schools and affiliate sites with support from Birmingham City Schools
- Partnering with the Alabama Reading Initiative at the Alabama State Department of Education to pilot a family literacy program
- Joining Every Child Alabama to help pass the RAISE Act, making sure every child gets the education they deserve
When we asked John about the future of STAIR, he didn’t hesitate to share his goal:
“I envision the expansion of this program to include most, if not all, schools within Birmingham and the surrounding area.”
John Myatt, Program Director, STAIR of Birmingham
Celebrate 25 years of STAIR of Birmingham
Want to join STAIR in celebrating their 25th anniversary? Don’t miss their free event on Sunday, November 2, from 11AM to 3PM at Avondale Park. It’s a free, family-friendly afternoon filled with literacy activities, games and community.
Visit STAIR’s website to support programs that ignite a love of reading in local students.
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