For the 4th consecutive year, we held our statewide virtual conference & celebration as we concluded our 13th year of ReadingPals!
Keynote: The Brain Science of Reading
Jason Yeatman, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Education, Pediatrics, and Psychology Stanford University
Dr. Jason Yeatman offered a cutting-edge exploration of the neurobiology of literacy—examining how the brain learns to read, why some children struggle, and the vital role of brain plasticity in early literacy development. Drawing on neuroimaging research from Stanford’s Brain Development and Education Lab, he explained how reading instruction shapes brain circuitry and highlight targeted intervention strategies to support diverse learners effectively.
The ReadingPals program provides volunteer mentors for students from pre-K to 3rd grade who may need extra help—operating in 22 counties through 15 regional programs. Over the last 13 years, more than 33,000 students have received a ReadingPals mentor and a share of 572,000 donated books.
Congratulations to our standout ReadingPals coordinator for 2025!
Ruthie Teets
ReadingPals Program Manager, United Way of Central Florida
