A Culture of Reading with Nikeya Jarrett

SEEing to Lead

Nikeya Jarrett has been an educator since 2001, teaching 1st grade in DC Public Schools. She earned the title “My Favorite Librarian” from her community once she became a School Library Media Specialist in 2007. Nikeya’s goal has always been to focus on literacy development, how to provide students with access to at-home libraries that reinforce literacy, and the importance of creating a “Culture of Reading” within the urban communities she serves.

Her strong passion for literacy has allowed Nikeya to support and provide books for events such as, annual Storybook Character Parade, Family Literacy Night, Black History programs, Read Across America Day, Summer Reading celebrations, and now a monthly book distribution due to virtual learning. Nikeya truly believes that providing reading materials and books for families with younger children to encourage early literacy before they attend school helps promote academic excellence and strong character accomplishments.

Show Notes:
In this episode, Nikeya Jarrett, an educator and school librarian since 2007, discusses her passion for literacy and its significance in urban communities. Nikeya shares her journey from teaching first grade in D.C. public schools to becoming a community-nominated 'My Favorite Librarian.' Her work revolves around promoting literacy development, access to home libraries, and creating a culture of reading. Nikeya reveals her dedication through events like the Storybook Character Parade, Family Literacy Night, and monthly book distributions. She emphasizes the importance of early literacy and community engagement, recounting her experiences working in libraries and advocating for literacy from birth. Nikeya also addresses the challenges of maintaining literacy enthusiasm through middle and high school and shares ideas on how educators can better support student engagement. The conversation concludes with reflections on leadership and fostering strong character and academic excellence through literacy.

Bookmarks:
00:00 Introduction to Nakia Jarrett
00:57 Nakia's Journey to Literacy Advocacy
01:57 The Importance of Early Literacy
04:33 Creating a Culture of Reading
06:32 Engaging Parents and the Community
11:47 Challenges and Solutions in Literacy
23:08 Middle School Literacy and Character Building
31:52 Final Thoughts and Advice for Leaders
34:55 Conclusion and Future Plans

This episode is part of the National Literacy Month series of podcasts, presented in partnership between the Be Podcast Network and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).

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Who am I?

I’ve been an educator in Massachusetts for 23 years. I’m finishing my 16th year as a building leader. I’m a teacher centered Principal and passionate about continuous improvement and the idea that success is not a destination, but a process. I’m active on social media, vlog about continuous improvement on a weekly basis, and wrote a book also called SEEing to Lead as a way to help everyone improve education as a whole by promoting my “just cause”: improving the educational experience for as many people as possible by being purposeful, acting with integrity, and building character.

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