Lori Schulte will support early literacy in Jones County
The Jones County Community Foundation bid a fond farewell to Every Child Reads Coordinator Heather Weers last month and is proud to welcome Lori Schulte into the role.
Weers spent 6 years leading the initiative, which helps children succeed in school and life – by supporting reading proficiency by third grade.
Leading Every Child Reads, Heather convened leaders, developed partnerships and connected with the community to increase awareness of the need for school readiness, school attendance and summer learning. In 2023, she coordinated distribution of 4,479 books to children through locations and organizations like Jones County schools, libraries, community events, HACAP (Hawkeye Area Community Action Program), dental clinics, and English Language Learner programs.
“Heather's enthusiasm and talent got this program off the ground,” says Doug Edel, executive director of the Foundation. “Her concern for the 'kiddos' in Jones County has been evident in everything she has done to help them get a good start in their young lives. I don't think anyone has worked harder to make a difference, and she always does it with a smile.”
Heather coordinated quarterly meetings of Jones County elementary school administrators to determine ways Every Child Reads could support students and to collaborate on literacy ideas and opportunities in Jones County.
With Heather’s leadership, volunteer members of Every Child Reads team wrote and illustrated the “ABC’s of Jones County” book. The book was distributed to every kindergarten and first grade student, registered child care providers and public libraries in Jones County.
“The book was a gift to the county and helped raise awareness of Every Child Reads and the Jones County Community Foundation,” says Janet Martin, Foundation advisory board president. “We are excited about the future of this initiative and look forward to working with new coordinator Lori.”
Schulte taught elementary students in the Anamosa School District for over 30 years – most recently as a Title 1 reading teacher for Strawberry Hill and St. Patrick's. She has a reading endorsement and a Master's degree in educational leadership, and has served on school leadership committees as well as being a union representative and treasurer.
“I have spent a lifetime teaching students to read and encouraging them to read outside of school,” Schulte says. “I want kids to realize that reading is not only so important in everyday life – from learning content to reading a recipe or directions – it can also be fun!”
Her experience as an educator and advocate for children and families is the reason the Community Foundation has entrusted her with its Every Child Reads initiative. “She has the skills to continue strong leadership of the program and expand opportunities for young Jones County readers and their families,” says Martin.
Schulte’s three grown sons have fond memories of their mom reading to them when they were young, and often remind her of it. “They have all become avid readers, so I feel some of their passion for reading started very young with the wonderful teachers they had and the encouragement I provided at home,” she says. “I would love for all kids to share this passion for reading.”
Schulte will work closely with teachers, administrators, and instructional leaders to learn about the needs of Jones County students and determine ways to support them achieving their reading goals. She hopes to develop a list of volunteers to read with students and has plans to incorporate reading skills into other areas of the school day, especially with the youngest students.
“We will also be providing resources for parents and summer learning again this year,” she says. “I am excited to bring my experience and passion for reading to this position.”
The Jones County Community Foundation offers many opportunities to improve quality of life by addressing an array of local issues. To learn more about how you can establish a fund or make a gift that impacts your community, contact Edel at 319-481-9182.