Jermaine Gassaway Launches the "Read, Reflect, Reach One " Pledge to Strengthen Educational Opportunity
North Carolina educator, author, and education advocate Jermaine Gassaway is inviting individuals across the country to make one simple commitment: invest in learning, encourage young readers, and help build stronger communities through education.
CHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2026 /Educator, author, and education advocate Jermaine Gassaway today announced the launch of the "Read, Reflect, Reach One " Pledge, a personal commitment designed to encourage individuals to take everyday actions that support literacy, educational opportunity, and positive mentorship.
The pledge reflects Gassaway 's lifelong belief that meaningful change begins with individual action. From advocating for his own education as a teenager to leading schools and writing books that encourage difficult but necessary conversations, Gassaway has consistently focused on expanding opportunities for students and helping educators create classrooms where every child can succeed.
"Education has the power to transform lives, but only if we are willing to invest in every child, not just some children, " said Gassaway.
He believes improving education is not solely the responsibility of schools.
"Every student deserves access to a high-quality education regardless of where they live, " he said.
Gassaway also emphasizes that representation and strong relationships matter.
"Students benefit when they learn from educators who reflect the communities they serve and who believe in their potential every single day, " he said.
His message is rooted in action rather than slogans.
"The journey toward lifelong success starts now-with every book read, every question asked, and every opportunity to encourage a child, " Gassaway said.
The new pledge encourages people to move beyond simply supporting education in principle.
"Small actions, repeated consistently, can change the direction of a student 's life, " he added.
The Seven Personal Commitments
Everyone who takes the Read, Reflect, Reach One Pledge agrees to practice these seven commitments:
Read for at least 20 minutes every day and encourage a child or young person to read regularly.
Listen before making assumptions by seeking to understand another person 's experiences and perspective.
Encourage one student every week through a conversation, note, or message of support.
Learn something new each month by reading a book, article, or educational resource outside your usual interests.
Speak positively about education and recognize teachers, school staff, and mentors for their work.
Create welcoming spaces where every child feels respected, included, and capable of succeeding.
Share knowledge freely by helping someone learn a skill, solve a problem, or reach an educational goal.
Why This Matters Right Now
Research continues to show why individual involvement in education is so important.
According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), reading achievement among U.S. students remains below pre-pandemic levels in many grades.
The Learning Policy Institute reports that teacher shortages continue to affect thousands of schools nationwide, making recruitment and retention an ongoing challenge.
Studies from the National Center for Education Statistics have found that students who read frequently outside school generally perform better academically than those who rarely read.
Research consistently shows that students who have at least one supportive adult mentor are more likely to stay engaged in school and pursue higher education.
The U.S. Department of Education continues to emphasize family engagement and community partnerships as key factors in improving student outcomes.
Gassaway believes these challenges can feel overwhelming, but they should not discourage action.
"Large problems are solved one decision at a time, " he said. "Every person has the ability to influence a young life. "
Do It Yourself Toolkit
Anyone can begin supporting education today without spending money.
Read with a child for 20 minutes.
Visit your local library and borrow a book.
Donate books you no longer use.
Write a thank-you note to a teacher or school employee.
Volunteer to read to children in your community.
Discuss a current event with a young person and encourage questions.
Recommend a favorite book to a friend or family member.
Replace 20 minutes of screen time with reading.
Share educational resources from trusted organizations on social media.
Encourage one young person to set a learning goal and check in on their progress.
30-Day Progress Tracker
Use this simple checklist throughout the month.
Week 1
□ Read every day.
□ Encourage one student.
□ Thank one educator.
Week 2
□ Finish one book or several chapters.
□ Help someone learn something new.
□ Reflect on one new perspective.
Week 3
□ Volunteer or support a local educational activity.
□ Share one educational resource.
□ Read with a child or younger family member.
Week 4
□ Review what you learned.
□ Set one new learning goal.
□ Invite another person to take the pledge.
Call to Action
Jermaine Gassaway encourages individuals, families, educators, community organizations, and business leaders to take the Read, Reflect, Reach One Pledge. Download or share this toolkit, complete the 30-day tracker, and invite friends, coworkers, and neighbors to join. Lasting change begins with everyday actions, and every commitment can help create more opportunities for students to thrive.
To read more, visit the website here.
About Jermaine Gassaway
Jermaine Gassaway is a North Carolina-based educator, superintendent, author, and advocate for educational equity. Throughout his career as a teacher, principal, school leader, and author, he has worked to expand educational opportunity, strengthen school leadership, promote teacher diversity, and encourage meaningful conversations that help every student reach their full potential.
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SOURCE:Jermaine Gassaway
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