Jackie Reeder's Readers
Under Reeder’s leadership, the Adult Education Volunteer Program, which is coordinated by Stephens County’s Volunteers for Literacy, has more than doubled. Reeder taught a wide range of subjects during her stint as the lead teacher at Lee Street Learning Center in Cordelia. It was there she began to realize that collaboration was the key to success.
Not only has she been collaborating with county literacy volunteers, she has been instrumental in the development of the Certified Literate Community in Habersham County. She has worked closely with other agencies to recruit students and provide them with the most current learning materials. She has written grants and trained tutors, and now has 35 tutors participating in the program.
Reeder organized the Annual Cultural
Appreciation day for the non-native speakers of English to become better aquainted with the cultures of others. This celebration was attended by both volunteers and the advisory board members who were extended special invitations. The local newspaper gave the event front page news coverage.
In working with volunteers, Reeder
organized the county’s first Literacy Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. When volunteers are assigned to her, she shows them a map that describes how their services are essential and where to find materials.
In Stephens County, Reeder works with the Literacy Council’s Maggie Walters to pair students with tutors. Stephens County CLCP Executive Director Lisa Prickett says, “Jackie Reeder has a tremendous rapport with her students and volunteers. She makes them feel like she is more than a teacher. She makes them feel like they are friends.” Mostly through word of mouth, the program in Stephens County has continued to grow.
Other marketing methods that have worked include encouraging students to bring a friend to class, discussing long range and short term plans with high school guidance counselors, and publicizing the program regularly in the local newspaper.
Through the Toccoa-Stephens County Literacy Volunteer Program, Reeder and the learning center have gotten support from tutors who give their attention to students who require one-on-one guidance.
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As the newest Full-time Teacher in Stephens County, Jackie Reeder began settling into her job in Toccoa in the summer of 2000. Having worked for North Georgia Technical College’s Adult Education Department since 1993, she was already well established in the Service Delivery Area.
Reeder discovered that getting the community involved was essential. She pioneered the English Literacy Program (ELP) in Habersham with the support of local business people, civic leaders, and local area volunteers.
“Jackie has been supportive of the CLCP because we are in agreement about what needs to be done in the community,” Prickett said.
Reeder attributes her success to the following reasons: 1. She aggressively recruits new students, 2. She listens before addressing specific needs and concerns, and 3. She works closely with literacy volunteers setting goals.
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