About Mr. Jeffrey
My Journey as Mr. Jeffrey
After 32 years in education—teaching grades K–5, coaching teachers, leading technology programs, and spending the last decade as a school librarian—I’ve retired from the school system, but not from my calling.
My students have always called me “Mr. Jeffrey”—their reading teacher, coach, and cheerleader. With energy still to spare and a passion that’s stronger than ever, I’ve launched Reading for Life, a literacy movement devoted to:
✦ Inspiring young learners to fall in love with great books
✦ Building lifelong reading habits
✦ Helping students grow into confident, joyful readers
Relationships First
I cherish strong relationships with students—those authentic connections have always been the heart of my teaching. My time is now beautifully divided between:
✦ Our Virginia farm
✦ My home in Seattle
✦ Adventures with my husband in El Salvador
The Heart of Reading for Life
Reading for Life is built on teaching strategies I’ve spent decades refining.
I blend:
► Creativity and storytelling
► Guest experts
► My knowledge of current and classic books
► A whole lot of fun (with just a touch of farm flair—yes, animals included!)
Whether I’m filming book reviews from our farm in Virginia, crafting personalized reading lists in Seattle, or chatting with fellow educators from El Salvador,
…I bring books to life in ways that are meaningful, engaging, and unforgettable.
I’m also my daughter Madeline’s biggest cheerleader as she pursues her equestrian dreams. I share what’s important in my life with my students, building trust—because I’ve always believed when there is trust, students are opened to grow as learners.
I’ve recently married a wonderful man named Santiago, and we’re building a life in El Salvador as he studies to become a nurse. Flexibility is key, especially as I support my daughter in her equestrian dreams in the United States. My journey is filled with love, learning, and a shared passion for growth.
Our Simple Mission
Reading for Life reflects a simple mission:
to develop reading habits and make reading a lifelong joy.
We offer dynamic sessions for students in Grades 2–6, from beginning readers to those ready to soar.
Together, we will:
► Dive into reading conversations
► Teach literacy skills through great books
► Connect with real authors, illustrators, and guest teachers
It’s all about creating a vibrant learning community.
How Sessions Work
✦ 45-minute sessions offered throughout the week and weekends at various times
✦ Flexible scheduling to meet your needs
✦ Options for individual sessions or monthly packages
I’d love to partner with you in being your child’s reading teacher, coach, and cheerleader—getting to know your child, discovering the books they love, setting goals, and celebrating every reading achievement.
