About
Lil’ Readers was launched in 2021 with a clear mission: to address the alarming number of children not reading on grade level. As a former fifth-grade teacher, I was deeply concerned about my students, most of whom were reading on a first-grade level. The impact of illiteracy is not just academic; it has a significant effect on the individual's future success.
Lil’ Readers was established to bring hope and optimism, providing language enrichment to preschool students and intervention in small groups to kindergarten through 12th-grade students, with the aim of making a positive impact on their literacy levels and future prospects.
Our mission
Our mission at Lil’ Readers is to empower young learners to reach their fullest potential by providing high-quality, personalized tutoring in a supportive and inspiring environment. We are dedicated to fostering confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning through tailored programs that meet each child’s unique needs. By nurturing essential skills and promoting lifelong learning, we help students build a strong foundation for academic success and personal growth.
Comprehensive assessment
Students are evaluated to determine their strengths and pinpoint their weaknesses.
Individualized learning plan
Using results from our assessments, our reading and math specialists develop a learning plan to address student deficits.
Targeted instruction
Students focus on two to three related skills for a four-week cycle. These lessons target specific skills based on our initial assessment.
Reevaluate
At the end of the four-week cycle, students are reevaluated to determine progress. A score of 90% is considered mastery. If a student's score is lower, they receive two more weeks of instruction and are reevaluated.
New learning
Once students master skills, they are moved on to the next level to continue their learning.
Iesha Green
Founder
Iesha is a former elementary school teacher who also served as a department chair and mentor teacher in the Little Rock Public School system. With a passion for equity in education, Iesha uses her cultural experiences and the Reality Pedagogy to connect with her students to deliver a culturally-relevant education.
Iesha’s former 5th-grade class was given the “Beating the Odds” award by the University of Arkansas’ Office of Education Policy for 2018-19. Iesha earned her BA in Sociology and Psychology from the University of Arkansas, her MAT from the University of Central Arkansas, and her MEd in Educational Equity from the University of Arkansas.
Tellisha Brown
Assistant director & tutor
Tellisha has dedicated seven years to education, with extensive experience teaching STEM in the North Little Rock School District and tutoring in the North Little Rock Aspire program. Her exceptional teaching skills were recognized when she was awarded Teacher of the Year by North Little Rock Middle School in 2021, followed by Middle School Teacher of the Year for the North Little Rock School District in 2022. Tellisha is deeply passionate about nurturing children's knowledge and helping them develop new skills.
Maija Jones
Reading specialist
Maija, an enthusiastic educator with eight years of experience, champions the motto "DO IT BIG!" She is committed to maximizing her strengths to build her capacity and inspire growth in those she serves. Maija believes in teaching scholars to set goals and boundaries to foster confidence and a strong sense of self.
A proud native of Little Rock, AR, she holds a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Her steadfast belief is that all children have the potential to succeed.
Dominique Robinson-Graves
Tutor
Dominique Robinson-Graves, hailing from Youngstown, Ohio, is an accomplished educator with degrees in Early Childhood Education and a master’s in Special Education. She currently teaches at Sylvan Hills Elementary.
Dominique is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the VFW Auxiliary, where she dedicates time to supporting veterans.
"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free."
– Frederick Douglass
Locations and hours
Little Rock
9900 Geyer Springs Road
Little Rock, AR 72209
Tuesday and Thursday
3 - 7 p.m.
North Little Rock
1821 Edmonds Street
North Little Rock, AR 72117
Monday - Thursday
2 - 7 p.m.
