Literacy First Student Tutoring Program
The Literacy First Student Tutors Program is a high-impact, yearlong pilot initiative that equips UTC Teacher Candidates (TCs) with immersive, one-on-one tutoring experience using the research-backed Literacy First model. In partnership with Brown Academy, Hamilton County Schools, Literacy First, and Chattanooga 2.0, this program addresses the literacy achievement gap by embedding evidence-based tutoring within the school day. Teacher Candidates enrolled in key literacy and field experience courses (EDUC 3220, 3230, 3900, 5610, 5620) are selected to serve as tutors for K-1 students, completing 130 hours of structured, guided fieldwork. These hours satisfy both field placement requirements and the Literacy First student program model expectations. Most importantly, they provide the intervention support needed for the students served through this program. The 2026-2027 Program begins Fall 2026.
Overview of the Literacy First Student Tutors Program
Meet Our Student Tutors
Hope Doane
Madi Justice
Hope Kindiger
Kendell Wedekind
Benefits of the Program
- Field Hours? Check. Credit? Check. Money for School? Check. Knock out required hours and earn course credit through hands-on experience. Receive a small scholarship award towards tuition for participating.
- Real-World Tutoring Vibes: Work one-on-one all year with K-1st grade readers - and make a real impact!
- Training That Actually Helps: Get expert coaching and literacy skills you'll actually use - no fluff, all value.
- Earn a Gold Star (and a Job Edge): Snag the UTC Literacy First Certificate - HCS gives grads with it hiring priority.
School Tutoring Site
- Brown Academy
Meet the Director
I am the Assistant Professor and Literacy Director at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, leading literacy initiatives for the College of Health, Education, and Professional Studies and the Center for Excellence and Innovation in Education. I have 30 years of experience as a classroom teacher, school administrator, state professional development leader and Curriculum Director in North Carolina and Tennessee.
My research interests include early literacy development, teacher preparation, and school leadership. I am a member of the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education (AABHE), Learning Forward, and the Tennessee Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (TACTE).
My leadership service to the University of Tennessee Chattanooga and School of Education includes co-chair of the Black Faculty and Staff Association's Education Committee and literacy advisor of the Executive Committee for the School of Education. I also represent UTC through my service on several community-based boards such as the Tennessee Reading Research Center (TRRC) Advisory Board (Vice Chair, 2025), Northside Neighborhood House (NNH), ArtsBuild of Chattanooga, Chattanooga 2.0 Early Literacy Matters Council and the Chattanooga Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
I earned a BA in Elementary Education, a master’s degree in School Administration (MSA), an Ed.S. and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership; all from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Contact
Dr. Yvette Stewart, Literacy First Student Tutoring Program Director
423-425-4776