We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaivairia Bacote, M.Ed. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaivairia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Throughout my teaching career, I noticed the academic reading and writing disparity between affluent and Title 1 institutions. This prompted my interest in developing a tutoring program that truly strengthens the reading ability of underserved students. Every day I would get up and go to work, but I never felt like I was accomplishing anything or helping my students grow. I finally had a breakthrough when I worked tirelessly with my students 1-on-1 or through small group instruction. When we received our grade-level data and my students really improved, that was the “Aha” moment. I can take this concept and execute it fully to ensure students’ needs are being met and learning gaps are being actually being closed. As a classroom teacher, this day in age anyway, it is nearly impossible to TEACH your students. The list of responsibilities are endless. There aren’t enough hours in the workday which is why educators put in in countless hours of unpaid overtime to help their scholars. Even going the extra mile, the student to teacher ratio is daunting. Read 2 Lead Tutoring gives students the attention they need and creates personalized lessons.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Read 2 Lead Tutoring Services is open to all, but we really try to reach students who do not have access to quality and afforable tutoring. We want our inner city students to know that they too can achieve great things despite the hurdles in front of them, This is coming from a girl from Paterson, NJ that had a 1.8 GPA in high school and almost didn’t graduate. I went from having breakdowns to breakthroughs. My road was not easy, but if I can guide my students and steer them on the right path so they won’t have to experience all that I had to, well, I am willing to pay it forward.

We know first hand how schools are overcrowded and learning gaps aren’t able to be met fully because of this issue. With personalized tutoring, students receive immediate feedback, strengthen their literacy skills, and develop their confidence all at a low cost. So readers, please use the code: SHOUTOUTHTX on our website to receive $20 off a virtual tutoring session.

What excites me the most about this journey is knowing that so many kids that look like me will be helped. We’re a small business now, but we hope to grow and make this thing really big. At first, figuring out all of the protocols for the business was a bit overwhelming, but I kept the end goal in mind.

The biggest lesson learned so far is to never let anyone dim your light because they’re too scared to step outside of their comfort zone. So many people said I shouldn’t start my own tutoring company and I should continue to teach because it’s more secure. But I have I have to follow my heart and do what makes me happy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My all time favorite place here in Houston is the Water Wall! I just love sitting down on the steps and looking at the water. It’s really peaceful. Sometimes I’ll check out Prospect Park or The Turkey Leg Hut to grab a bite to eat. Now, I love me some Turkey Leg Hut. You can’t go wrong with the hut. Another good spot I like to eat at is Taste Bar + Kitchen. Their food is amazing! When I just want to have fun, I’ll hit the karaoke night at Three Sheetz Bar & Grill. If I’m not feeling the night life scene, you can catch me playing Flag Football with my Lights Out or Savant team.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to thank my family, my amazing son that keeps me going, my friends (Trail, you are truly one of a kind. Thank you for everything), and my administrator Mrs. Dapne Wilson. People like Mrs. Wilson do not come by very often. I wish I had more time to tell you about her, but she is the epitome of a boss lady. As tough as she was on us, she still showed that she cared and would go through the mud right along with us. There was never a time that she was there to answer a question, watch our back, or give us advice. Mrs. Wilson played a huge part in getting me through teaching through the pandemic. I just want to tell you that I thank you and I appreciate everything that you have done. Not only for me but for my son.

Website: www.read2leadtutoring.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/read2leadtutoring

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaivairia-bacote-m-ed-05a806142

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCQbQ0upFDrpWVO-lEHtLhOQ

Other: Receive $20 off Virtual Tutoring sessions using coupon code: SHOUTOUTHTX Email: read2leadtutoringtx@gmail.com Track Coaching: www.Instagram.com/ANTXTF

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.