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A Lifelong Dedication to Literacy and Community: Welcoming Eric Seymour to The Learning Alliance Board
After a remarkable 34-year career in education, Eric Seymour’s commitment to literacy and community continues with his recent appointment to The Learning Alliance Board. Seymour’s journey — from a young student in Vero Beach to Assistant Superintendent — has been shaped by a deep belief in the power of education and the importance of community involvement.
A Foundation Built on Community
For Seymour, education was never just about academics; it was a community effort. Growing up in Vero Beach, his education continued beyond the classroom. His mother played an active role, reinforcing the idea that learning extends outside school walls. “My household was just as responsible for educating me as my school was,” Seymour reflects. This early experience fueled Seymour’s lifelong mission: to create environments where students feel supported both at school and at home.
Throughout his career, Seymour made it a priority to build bridges between families and schools. As Assistant Superintendent in the School District of Indian River County, he worked to resolve challenging situations with principals and acted as a liaison for families, ensuring their voices were heard. This philosophy aligns seamlessly with TLA’s mission to bring families, educators, and community leaders together to support literacy initiatives.
The Power of Literacy
Seymour’s challenges with reading as a child gave him a personal understanding of the importance of literacy. Inspired by dedicated teachers like Mrs. Craft at Osceola Magnet School, who helped him overcome struggles with reading comprehension, he recognizes that literacy is foundational for lifelong learning. His passion for ensuring that all students have the support they need to become strong readers resonates with TLA’s efforts to improve early childhood literacy across Indian River County.
TLA’s programs, which include tutoring and resources for struggling readers, mirror the kind of support that made a difference in Seymour’s own life. His goal is to help expand these initiatives, making them accessible to more families, particularly those who may not yet be aware of the value of such programs.
Advocating for Inclusivity and Engagement
Seymour’s dedication to community extends to his work with local organizations and his efforts to increase participation in extracurricular activities. He has been a key advocate for creating forums where parents can connect with schools and understand how to support their children’s education. “We need to encourage people to get involved,” he explains, emphasizing that schools alone cannot address every challenge students face.
His experience aligns with TLA’s strategy of engaging community leaders and leveraging local networks to spread awareness about literacy programs. Seymour will help TLA deepen its impact by connecting with churches, social organizations, and parent groups, especially in communities that might feel disconnected from educational resources.
Looking Ahead
As Seymour joins The Learning Alliance Board, his vision is clear: to build stronger partnerships between schools, families, and the broader community, all in the name of improving literacy outcomes. His belief that “every child deserves the right to succeed” will no doubt help drive TLA’s mission forward, ensuring that more students have the opportunity to thrive.
Seymour’s journey demonstrates that literacy is not just about reading books — it’s about building a foundation for lifelong learning, supported by a community that cares. The Learning Alliance is thrilled to welcome Eric Seymour to the Board and is excited to see how his experience and passion for education will help shape the future of literacy in Indian River County.
