A little time can make a big difference in a child's reading journey.
The Sioux Falls School District's Literacy Allies program is growing! With 180 Literacy Allies already helping young readers build foundational reading skills, we're expanding to two additional elementary schools for second semester: Garfield Elementary and Hawthorne Elementary.
We're looking for caring, dependable adults who want to make a difference in the lives of our youngest learners. No teaching experience is required. We'll provide the training and support you need!
What Does a Literacy Ally Do?
Literacy Allies work with small groups of kindergarten and first-grade students, providing extra practice with foundational reading skills. You'll follow lessons aligned with the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) framework, with ongoing guidance and support from our District Literacy Coach.
The time commitment is just one hour every other week!
Volunteers at Garfield and Hawthorne will provide coverage on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 11:30 AM and 1:10 PM. The Literacy Allies team will determine which school you will serve and provide your specific volunteer schedule.
You'll be part of a team of six or seven Literacy Allies who share the weekly schedule. Individuals are welcome to sign up, or you can join with an established team. Each volunteer covers one hour every other week throughout the 2026-27 school year.
What Do I Need to Do?
There are just two steps to becoming a Literacy Ally:
1. Complete the registration form.
Click here to register.
You can sign up individually or with an established team. If you're signing up with a team, each member must complete the registration form individually. Individuals will be paired with other volunteers to form a team.
2. Complete a background check.
Click here to complete the unsupervised background check.
Because Literacy Allies work with students without a teacher directly present, a background check is required. If you've completed an SFSD background check previously, you may not need to complete another one.
If you've lived outside of South Dakota within the past seven years, fingerprinting will also be required. SFSD will cover the cost.
Training and Support
All new Literacy Allies will participate in four weeks of training beginning in December. Sessions will last approximately one hour each and will prepare you to work with students. Training will include opportunities to ask questions, learn the literacy activities and visit your assigned school.
More details about available training dates and times will be shared in late November.
Ready to help a young reader succeed?
Join the 180 Literacy Allies already making a difference and help us welcome even more young readers into the program!
Registration closes Monday, November 30th, 2026
Questions? Contact:
Jennifer Sammons, SFSD Reading Specialist
jennifer.sammons@k12.sd.us
Deb Herold, SFSD Coordination Administrative Assistant
deb.herold@k12.sd.us