Literacy First Student Tutoring Program
The UTC Literacy First Student Tutors Program provides UTC Teacher Candidates with an immersive, one-on-one, high-impact tutoring experience using the research-based Literacy First model. Through a partnership with Brown Academy, Hamilton County Schools, Literacy First, and Chattanooga 2.0, the program helps address the literacy achievement gap by embedding evidence-based tutoring into the school day.
Teacher Candidates enrolled in selected literacy and field experience courses (EDUC 3220, 3230, 3900, 5610, and 5620) are chosen to tutor students in Kindergarten and First Grades, completing 130 hours of structured, guided fieldwork. These hours fulfill field placement, coursework, and Literacy First program requirements while providing young learners with consistent, high-quality literacy intervention and giving future educators meaningful clinical experience.
The program runs from Fall to Spring each academic year.
Teacher candidates interested in the UTC Literacy First Student Tutoring Program?
Contact: [email protected]
Program Director: Dr. Yvette Hairston
Overview of the Literacy First Student Tutors Program
Meet Our 2026-2027 Student Tutors
Ada Ritchie
Ann-Marie Witten
Aria Martin
Keena Mulligan
Ava Jones
Cameron Schultz
Ashlee Davis
Benefits of the Program
- Knock out required hours and earn course credit through hands-on experience. Receive a small scholarship award towards tuition for participating.
- Work one-on-one all year with K-1st grade readers - and make a real impact!
- Get expert coaching and practice the literacy skills you'll actually use - a true confidence booster!
- Earn a Job Edge - With the UTC Literacy First Certificate, Hamilton County Schools gives grads with it hiring priority.
School Tutoring Site
- Brown Academy
- Meet the Coaches
Meet the Director
Dr. Yvette Hairston is an Assistant Professor and Literacy Director at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she leads literacy initiatives for the College of Health, Education, and Professional Studies (CHEPS) and the Center for Excellence and Innovation in Education (CEIE). With 30 years of experience as a classroom teacher, school administrator, curriculum director, and state professional development leader in North Carolina and Tennessee, she is dedicated to advancing literacy and preparing the next generation of educators.
Contact
Dr. Yvette S. Hairston, Literacy First Student Tutoring Program Director
423-425-4776