Mayor Announces Hiring of 20 “Lifelong Learning Coaches” for DC

(Washington, DC) In honor of National Literacy Day, Mayor Anthony A. Williams today announced the hiring of 20 lifelong learning coaches for the District of Columbia.  

“With 37 percent of the adults in the District unable to locate an intersection on a street map or fill out an application for a Social Security card, we as a city need to get serious about literacy,” said Mayor Williams.  “The appointment of these 20 remarkable people will help us make progress in connecting the residents of this city with jobs and with opportunities.”  

The 20 coaches are: Hom Raj Acharya, Eric Ampedu, Naima Beckles, Camille Cormier, Lolita Da Costa, Vicky Davis, Nile Faulkner, Michael Grafton, Laura Griep, Morris Ledbetter, Patty Lemley, Rachel Lewis, Laurie Mangum, Shawn McMahon, Allen Mikelian, Ellie Phillips, Leanne Shepherd, Kellie Stuart, Gretchen Whitney and Phil Shapiro.

The primary responsibilities of the coaches include providing adult basic education, English as a second language and/or GED preparation instruction to adults; program management; promoting the literacy programs of the assigned agencies and community-based organizations; and, recruiting, supervising and training volunteers. Other responsibilities include participating in the development and evaluation of citywide curriculum and training efforts; serving as professional resources to agencies and community-based organizations by sharing current research and best practices; and, conducting professional development activities.

The coaches will be based at District agencies or community-based organizations that are literacy service providers.