Greetings, I’m JD!
I didn’t just arrive in Houston because the children were struggling. I could feel the weight on the teachers who are giving everything they have with too little support. I could feel the frustration of families who want the best for their kids but keep running into barriers they didn’t create. The pressure on this city’s classrooms was so strong it reached me across galaxies.
My strength grows every time a young person reads, learns, or unlocks a new idea. That energy is powerful, and I am here to protect it. When I found the Edutainers already fighting for students, teachers, and families, I knew this was where my mission had to begin.
Houston is ready for something different. A shift in how we treat knowledge. A movement that turns reading into a source of power and gives every child, every educator, and every family a reason to believe again.
This is only the beginning. If this is where the story starts, imagine what comes next.
Low literacy isn’t just a challenge—it’s a crisis. RWAR is stepping up with @officialstaracademy , a school built on culture, music, and community. Every enrollment, every donation, every share fuels the movement. Be part of the change 🔗 in bio.
HOUSTON!!!! We’ve had some awesome winners of our Sneaker Scavenger Hunt so far, but it’s far from over! ✨
Swipe for remaining locations and photos, and be sure to sign up for a Star Card to get exclusive clues!
To get a Star Card, head to readingwitharapper.com (link in bio), or comment ‘shoes’ to get the link in your messages!
#readingwitharapper #readingcommunity #bookstagram #houstonlibrary #library #librarylife #nike #sneakerfiend #sneaker #sneakercommunity #edutainment #houston #thingstodoinhouston #houstonevent #houstonfreeevents
Let’s talk about impact! ✨
When Ms. Veazie steps in the classroom, the whole energy shifts.
Director of Early Childhood and Program Producer at RWAR, she’s out here turning lessons into lyrics and making sure our youngest learners feel seen and hyped.
A proud Prairie View grad, she’s been shaping young minds for 7 years. She bridges culture and curriculum while making literacy fun, loud and unforgettable. ✨
When literacy is low, we don’t wait. We change it.
Book with us now at readingwitharapper.com ✨
#readingwitharapper #edutainment #rwaracademy #teacher #teachergram #houstonteachers #houstonschools #teachergram #teachersfollowteachers #blackteachers #blackteachersmatter #teachergoals #teacher
“Until you take your last breath, you’re always learning something.”
Big energy for Ms. Brown, a powerhouse with 16 years in the game!
She’s all about personalized learning because no two students are the same. For her, culture and learning go hand in hand, with a story inside of each of us. Her mission? Help students see themselves in every page, every lesson, and every win.
From coaching girls’ sports to leading ELA at RWAR Academy, Ms. Brown shows up with purpose, passion, and pride, reminding us that learning never stops, and neither does she. 💥📚✨
Book with Ms. Brown now at readingwitharapper.com!
#readingwitharapper #edutainment #rwaracademy #teacher #teachergram #blackteachers #houstonteachers #teacherfollowteachers #teachergoals #houstonschools #blackteachersofinstagram
Final call - there are only TWO days left to register for Cultureverse Summer Camp!
July 14-18 | FREE for 3rd-8th graders
At Freedmen’s Town Visitor Center, students will explore history, literacy & tech through hip-hop and hands-on activities. This one of a kind experience has limited spots, so hit the link in our bio to register now!
#readingwitharapper #houstonsummercamp #thingstodoinhouston #freedmanstown #houstonkids #houstonsummer #houstonchildcare #houstonyouth #freedmenstown
Meet Rodney Alexander! RWAR’s Music Director & Program Producer, and the heartbeat behind the sound.
Since 2014, he’s been in classrooms as a Special Ed teacher, bringing connection, joy, and understanding to every student he meets. Now at RWAR, he uses that same care to build music programs that hit—because he gets what kids like, what they need, and how that energy can transform into academic success.
Roddy’s mission? Make kids feel seen, successful, and surrounded by joy.✨
Book #RWARacademy now at readingwitharapper.com ✨
#readingwitharapper #edutainment #houstonteachers #blackteachers #blackteacher #houstoneducators #teachergram #teacher #teachergram #blackeducators #teachergoals
Cultureverse Summer Camp is here, and spots are limited! ✨✨
July 14-18 | FREE for 3rd–8th graders✨
At Freedmen’s Town Visitor Center, students will explore history, literacy & tech through hip-hop and hands-on activities. This one of a kind experience has limited spots, so hit the link in our bio to register now!
#readingwitharapper #houstonsummercamp #thingstodoinhouston #freedmanstown #houstonkids #houstonsummer #houstonchildcare #houstonyouth #freedmenstown
Say hey to Porchia! RWAR curriculum writer and lifelong educator at heart.✨
She knew she wanted to teach since she was four and hasn’t stopped chasing that mission: making learning accessible, joyful and rooted in real-life connection.
With a background in early childhood and elementary education, Porchia brings creativity, culture, and care into everything she creates. Her passion? Literacy. Her superpower? Meeting students where they are and helping them grow with confidence.
Now she’s designing the lessons that help every student see themselves in the story.
Book RWAR Academy now at readingwitharapper.com ✨
#readingwitharapper #edutainment #rwar #houstonteachers #teachergram #rwaracademy #blackteachers #teachergoals #blackteachersmatter #houstonschools #houstonteachers #teachersfollowteachers #teachersforteachers
There is, in fact, a doctor in the house!✨
Meet Dr. Kourtney Hines: part educator, part motivator, all heart. With nearly two decades of teaching and coaching under her belt, she’s here to help students find their voice through literacy, lyrics and creativity.
She meets kids where they are, shows up with the culture she wants to see and believes teaching is the work that changes the world.
Nobody gets anywhere without a teacher who saw them first, and that’s exactly who she is.
Book with Dr. Hines now at readingwitharapper.com ✨
#readingwitharapper #edutainment ##houstonteachers #rwaracademy #blackteachers #blackteachersmatter #teachergram #teacher #teachergoals #blackteachersofinstagram #houstonschools #teachersfollowteachers
