Learn about our mission, our vision, and our history
The mission of Roots and Wings is to support and encourage children’s reading skills and teachers who inspire learning.
The vision of Roots and Wings is to inspire children to create confidence within them to continue their education and quest for knowledge. Additionally, we honor teachers who go above and beyond for their students and their schools.
Roots and Wings was born from the shared vision of Ted and Anne Hoskinson. When Anne unexpectedly passed away, Ted sought to honor her by turning their vision into reality. Anne had imagined an organization called “Roots and Wings,” named for her belief that every child needs a strong foundation to grow and thrive. Although Ted transitioned to business after spending many years as a teacher, his passions for children and education never waned, and Roots and Wings was launched to make a lasting impact on children’s lives.
The journey initially began in 2016 with the expansion of a teacher recognition program at Pine Grove Elementary into what is now called the Above and Beyond Awards. Going from honoring six Delray Beach elementary schools in its first year, this program has now expanded to recognize teachers and individuals in 15 elementary schools throughout Palm Beach County. At its core, the Above and Beyond Awards celebrate those who go above and beyond to inspire learning.
Ted and Anne Hoskinson
The inspiration for Roots and Wings’ literacy program, Project UpLift, came directly from the front lines of our Title One schools. Ted asked the principal of Pine Grove Elementary, where the Above and Beyond Awards were first launched, what her school needed most. Her answer was immediate: support for students struggling with reading. She then identified the best way provide this support would be to have small groups of students with similar needs taught by the school’s own certified teachers.
Research revealed the magnitude of the problem: “A staggering 67% of children nationwide, and more than 80% from low-income families, are not proficient readers by the end of 3rd grade,” according to the Director of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. This literacy crisis is directly linked to high school dropout rates, with 74% of students who can’t read proficiently by 3rd grade unlikely to graduate.
In response, Project UpLift was launched at Pine Grove Elementary School in 2017. The program began with three classes of ten 3rd-grade students reading far below grade level. It has since expanded, addressing literacy challenges in grades 1-3 in multiple schools. The success of Project UpLift is grounded in its approach: small groups of students, led by certified teachers from their own schools, working on targeted reading interventions. These teachers know their students best and tailor instruction to meet their unique needs.
Project UpLift has produced remarkable reading gains. It has also built students’ self- confidence through positive reinforcement. Based on increased recognition of Project Uplift’s ability to make a difference, funding has allowed Project UpLift to continue to grow, spreading its wings to reach more and more at-risk children across Palm Beach County. This year, Project UpLift will help almost 1,100 students soar to new heights in their academic journey.
Our mission is to support and encourage children’s
reading skills and teachers who inspire learning.
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7700 Congress Avenue, Suite 3212
Boca Raton, FL 33487
Weekdays: 10AM – 4PM
Weekends: Closed