Recently retired from teaching, Beth was looking for a way to stay involved in her school community when she learned about Reading Corps. For Beth, it was an easy decision to become a tutor. “I love working with kids – it’s hard to walk away from that. Now I get to work with students that are struggling and continue to make a difference in the school.”

As a teacher, Beth’s main goal was to have a positive impact on her students’ lives. Now as a tutor, that hasn’t changed one bit. Her students bring excitement and happiness to her tutoring sessions – they just cannot wait to learn with her!

Don Olson – Douglas Elementary

Don has always believed that those who are able should try to help others – especially the young people who are just starting out. He explains that Reading Corps puts him in the perfect position to do just that. As a tutor, he not only helps boost literacy skills, but he builds up confidence as well.

When Don walks into a students’ classroom to pull them out for a tutoring session, they smile and perk up as soon as they see him. Reading Corps is a part of the day that the students look forward to. Don says that is the most gratifying part of service.

Malik Rodriguez – Longfellow Elementary 

Prior to Reading Corps, Malik felt that his life was stuck in a routine. As a tutor, he says he has found excitement, purpose and growth. Now he is investing his time in helping others – it doesn’t even feel like work.

Every day, Malik helps students strengthen their literacy skills and confidence – all while making learning fun. Often when he finishes up a lesson, his students ask, “Can we do more?” And according to Malik, that moment is the best part of tutoring. 

Hanna had been a stay at home mom for 15 years when she decided she wanted to get back to work. She was drawn to Reading Corps, because as a first generation immigrant, she had initially learned to speak English through one-on-one tutoring. 

Now as a tutor, Hanna knows she is making a difference for other learners. She shares that the best part is witnessing students’ progress in literacy. “Students start out not knowing how to read and they get so frustrated. But soon, they are excited to learn!”

After living and teaching in Cambodia for three years, Kimmy was looking for a nice transition back into the states. Ideally, she wanted to continue working with students and get experience in an American school. Luckily, Reading Corps checked off all the boxes and Kimmy became a tutor!

Kimmy takes pride in not only improving students’ literacy skills, but creating relationships as well. She has learned that the two go hand in hand. By building up their confidence and trust, her students are now better equipped to take on the challenge of becoming better readers.

From the Chamber of Commerce to the library board, Michael has always been involved in his community. Yet after retiring from the practice of law in 2016, Michael was in search of even more ways to serve others. Now as a Reading Corps tutor, he’s helping students every day.

Michael takes pride in being a part of young kids’ lives as they are learning reading, social skills and how to interact with others. He says it’s a big deal. “We are building relationships and helping them become better learners. The students appreciate us – the teachers do too.”