Unlocking Literacy: My life as a fostering literacy Coordinator.

Being a Fostering Literacy Coordinator is one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever had—and sometimes, the most entertaining. Every week, I meet with a group of high school tutors on Mondays and Wednesdays. For many of them, this is their very first paid job, which means there’s excitement, nervous energy, and occasionally a surprised, “Wait… I get paid for reading?!” moment. Watching them grow into their roles while still having fun is truly inspiring.

Each session begins with preparing the tutors for their time with their reading buddies. We talk about simple but powerful strategies: asking thoughtful questions, celebrating small victories, and making reading playful. Sometimes that means dramatic character voices. Other times, it’s goofy sound effects when a word doesn’t quite come out right. The kids love it—and honestly, so do the tutors. Seeing a child giggle at a story or beam with pride after reading a sentence on their own never gets old.
All of these students thrive on one-on-one attention. Some may have been labeled as kids who “can’t concentrate” or “don’t listen” at school, but here, they shine. They ask questions, share ideas, and bravely tackle words that once felt impossible. It’s a powerful reminder that labels don’t define children; they simply need patience, encouragement, and someone who believes in them.
Reading strengthens vocabulary, builds confidence, and opens up a world of imagination. Even a few minutes of shared reading can spark a lifelong love of stories—and maybe even inspire a future author. It also shows children that reading is not just a school task, but a meaningful and enjoyable part of everyday life.
As a coordinator, I support the high school tutors as well, helping them build confidence in their first paid roles while forming meaningful connections with their students. Each session isn’t just about reading; it’s about curiosity, confidence, and discovering that learning can be joyful.
By the end of the day, seeing both tutors and students grow, reminds me why this work matters. Literacy opens doors, and here, we unlock them with laughter, encouragement, and occasionally a dramatic voice for a talking dog—one child, one tutor, and one silly story at a time.

By Jinhee Miller,
Coordinator, Fostering Literacy (FL),
Facilitator, English Language Learning (ELL),
Tutor, JUST-IN-TIME Tutoring Service (JITT)
Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy