The Minnesota Reading Corps and Math Corps Blog

What would I do with an AmeriCorps education award?

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:46:00 +0000

Guest writer Carissa Carroll

The Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps offer some nice financial benefits to its members (tutors). As a current member, my federal student loans are in forbearance this year, I receive a biweekly living stipend, and best of all, I will soon receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. The award is meant to support the education goals of AmeriCorps members. For me, as well as for many other Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps members who are recent grads, my $5,550 education award will be put towards my student loans. Thank goodness!

Of course, not all members are dealing with student loans, and the award can be used in many different ways. Some people spend their award toward current or future undergraduate or graduate school tuition, or take a course that will further their career. Some people pay for a special interest class, or even transfer the award to their child or grandchild.

One Minnesota Reading Corps member, Gerry Weisberg, plans to use his education award to get another degree. He says, “As a senior citizen, I have a ‘bucket’ list. I am going to try and finish a degree in engineering and math. I have also thought about journalism, but my first priority is the engineering degree.” Other members have an equally great use for their education award: helping their children finance their education. One member has a son who will soon graduate from high school and she plans to transfer her award to him to support his first year of college. This benefit is available to members who are 55 or older.

For more information and to see what other AmeriCorps alumni have done with their Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, check out this article on the AmeriCorps Alum blog: http://americorpsalums.wordpress.com/2012/01/02/the-perfect-gift-for-yourself-using-your-segal-education-award/

Connect to Alumni

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:08:00 +0000

Minnesota Reading Corps is happy to have some fabulous former members who are standing by for questions! On our new “Connect to Alumni” Facebook page (click here), you can connect with one of five Minnesota Reading Corps alumni.

Leah Satterlund served for two years as a Preschool Literacy Tutor in Elk River School District's School Readiness program. During these two years, she “felt a transformation in myself as I was helping others. Serving provided me with great opportunities and experiences that helped me decide what path I wanted to take after AmeriCorps. As a single mother, I feel that Minnesota Reading Corps opened many doors for me.” Leah, 27, is now attending the University of Minnesota's School of Social Work to obtain her Master's in Social Work.

Reading Corps alumni Sarah Warren

Carolyn Boyer served as a Literacy Tutor for two years at King Elementary in Deer River, Minnesota. Now, she says, at 51, “I'm currently working as an Order Capture Representative in Minneapolis while developing my art portfolio for graduate school.”

Nate Moore, 24, served at both Roosevelt Elementary and Barack & Michelle Obama Elementary in St. Paul. Now he is an associate educator with Minneapolis Public schools and a behavior specialist at Pratt Elementary. He says, “I help redirect students and get them back to class if they are having a rough time in the classroom. I also work with the Community Education program; I help create and facilitate classes for adult learning in the evenings.”

Sarah Warren served as a Professional Corps Preschool Literacy Tutor for Head Start at the McKnight Center from 2009-2011. Sarah, 34, says “Now I teach for Head Start in a dual-language, High Five classroom. I also write books for children. My first picture book, “Dolores: A Hero to Migrant Workers” was released April 1^st, 2012.”

Jessica Hunt, 25, served at Andersen Elementary and later at Whittier Elementary in Minneapolis. She is currently living in New Brighton, Minnesota and says, “I am in graduate school studying to get my Master's degree in Social Work and working as a childcare assistant with Minneapolis kids.”

Would you like to get the perspective of someone who served with Minnesota Reading Corps and can speak about where the experience took them? Connect today! Click here.

Changing directions at fifty

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:42:00 +0000

By guest writer Lark Flynn-Lippert

Lark's blog post was initially featured on the ISeek blog for career, education and employment information, "ISpeak": http://iseekinteractive.org/blog/?p=3625.

Lark Flynn-Lippert serves as a literacy tutor in St. Paul

Two years ago I became unemployed. As a worker over 50, I was not optimistic about my job prospects. Moreover, I wasn’t eager to re-enter the corporate world. Inspired by my daughter’s AmeriCorps service, I looked into local programs and learned of the Minnesota Reading Corps.

I’m now in my second year as an Elementary Literacy Tutor, and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. Every school day I tutor fifteen first, second, or third graders using research-based strategies to help them improve their reading skills. As a full-time Minnesota Reading Corps member I receive a modest living allowance, some health coverage, and will receive an education award of $5,550.

There are other benefits as well. I get to see talented, dedicated educators in action, and the good work of everyone who keeps the students safe, healthy, and well-fed, the building clean and beautiful, and the school running smoothly.

The kids, of course, are the very best part. It’s downright humbling to see how hard a first grader will work, coming halfway out of her chair with the effort of correctly pronouncing her letter sounds, or to see a second or third grader leaving his pride at the door to practice basic phonics so that he can become a better reader. There are the hilarious, heartbreaking, wacky, profound things the kids say, and the proud little smiles and jubilant high-fives that come with success. There’s the grace with which they accept my shortcomings.

Most of the children I serve are low income. New York Times columnist David Brooks recently asserted that poverty is a phenomenon so complex and enigmatic that it must be addressed with a flood of programs as diverse as a rain forest. Though being literate does not in itself lead to greater economic security, having a college degree can. And obtaining a college education requires reading proficiency. So I hope that my service through the Minnesota Reading Corps is like a tiny organism in that rain forest, a drop or ripple in that flood. As I read with my little charges day in and day out, I hope that, in the smallest of ways, I’m changing the world.

Minnesota Reading Corps—the nation’s largest state AmeriCorps program—and its sister program Minnesota Math Corps are accepting applications to place over 1,000 full-time or part-time literacy or math tutors who commit up to 11 months of service to Minnesota schools. See how you can make an impact—on kids and in your career.

How Training Made Me a Successful Tutor

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:54:00 +0000

A K-3 Literacy Tutor's equipment

Guest writer McKenna Carr

When I first heard about the Minnesota Reading Corps last summer, I was a little leery of joining. I've always enjoyed working with kids, but teaching struggling students to read? That has a lot riding on it!

The ultimate goal of the program -- to help every Minnesota child become a successful reader by the end of 3rd grade -- was something I could get behind, though, so I ended up making the commitment to the Reading Corps.

Most of my worries were resolved at the beginning of August when all tutors like me attended Member Institute, which is Minnesota Reading Corps's initial week of training. It was a lot of information in a small amount of time, and it was a bit overwhelming at first; however, it all made sense eventually. By the end of Institute, each tutor knows the basics and has the resources to grow that knowledge.

Member Institute was enormously helpful because it gave me the tools I would need to become a successful K-3 tutor. Not only were we given a binder with helpful explanations and step-by-step guides to literacy interventions, we were walked through the material over the course of the week. At Institute, we were taught many different ways to provide struggling readers extra practice they need in the form of literacy interventions. Throughout the week, we practiced the interventions on each other so that our first time through wouldn't be with a student. We were also able to ask questions to returning members who had a year's worth of experience with the material under their belts. With the Master Coach leading the training (the same coach who would be checking up on us throughout the school year), I felt very supported.

The summer Member Institute was the first of several Reading Corps trainings. Once the school year got going, we were trained on how to enter and track student data. It took awhile to get the hang of the data system -- how to start student graphs, input their weekly progress monitoring scores, and make sense of the data -- but watching students' performance numbers climb has been very fulfilling! There was also further training in Great Leaps, another literacy intervention that we use with students.

McKenna's student appreciates her tutoring sessions!

Helping struggling children learn to read may have a lot riding on it, but the Minnesota Reading Corps doesn't send its tutors into schools without the proper tools. The training given at Member Institute, as well as the tips and tricks learned at other trainings as the year goes on, prepares new members like me to become successful tutors.

30 miles of support: Serving in a rural co-op

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:41:00 +0000

Guest writer Charis Bjorklund

E. B. White once said, “I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.” This past year while serving with Minnesota Reading Corps I found myself in the privileged position where, rather than choosing one, I embrace both every morning.

Future engineer? Politician? Teacher? Scientist?

Children are the future. They are the ones who will eventually replace the engineers, the politicians, the doctors, the teachers, the scientists, the businessmen, the good Samaritans and the parents of tomorrow after they all have passed the torch. I have the opportunity every day to work with children on improving their reading so they might have a bigger impact in the role they serve as adults. In short, I get to improve the world every day.

Exuberant calls of “Hi Miss B!” greet me in the halls followed by hugs. I hear children chuckle while reading a story and see them experience joy in something they had previously regarded as drudgery. In short, I get to enjoy my world every day.

As with all things, joys are accompanied by challenges. The district I serve in is a geographically large rural district with two small elementary schools, one on each end of the district. Staff such as the principal, the counselor, the librarian and others (including my Reading Corps coach) split their positions between the two schools. Some days this unique situation can feel like a disadvantage. The counselor’s schedule is unpredictable, or I have a question for my coach that needs to wait for a day when she is at my site.

Despite these inconveniences, I have been pushed to build relationships with colleagues and forge wider support. My Reading Corps coach may not be at my site every day but the classroom teachers are. They are great resources in situations such as dealing with challenging behaviors or making sure the students bring their stories home to read.

The environment at my service site is very close-knit and supportive and I believe it stems from the fact that the support is spread over two schools and 30 miles. The disadvantage has been turned into an advantage. All the teachers at my site are so invested in their students’ success and enthusiastic for supportive partnership. Together we have dissolved ourselves into the same great thing: improving the world through the children in our community.

I Don’t Wanna Read!

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:14:00 +0000

Guest writer Krista Munson

I knew being a reading tutor would provide challenges, but nothing quite prepared me for the apathetic third grader who landed on my caseload at the beginning of the year. His eyes rolled when I entered his classroom and he would walk so slowly down the hall to my tutoring room. I knew he was doing his best to kill time so we would not have the full 20 minutes to work.

It was frustrating, so I did my best to stay upbeat and positive. One day I caught him staring at my bulletin board. Exasperated that he was not paying attention, I was about to try getting him to focus when I heard him mumble something.

Krista Munson serves in Maple River

“Pardon?” I inquired.

He points at my bulletin board border which was covered with caricature kids reading books and exclamations such as: “I Love to Read!” and “Read a Good Book!”

“That’s true…‘I Love to Read!’” he explained with a smile.

Dumbfounded I stammered, “I’m glad.”

That student not only continued on to excel to the point of exiting the program, he has continued reading excellence in his classroom. He waves at me in the hallway and gives me a cheery, “Hi!”

As my experience with Minnesota Reading Corps in Maple River, Minnesota begins to wind down, I recognize not only the growth my students have made but my own as well. I began the year a little overwhelmed by the amount of information on interventions, literacy background, etc. Now it comes as second nature. Every day, I follow the same schedule and see the same students, but I also have new opportunities every day. Opportunities to find niches that make it click for students, opportunities to encourage them to read more, and also to encourage them as individuals. Reading Corps has been an everyday adventure!

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that every child deserves the chance to read. There is no better reward than giving a child the tools needed to become better readers. The moment they finally “get” a word that they’ve stumbled over, or reach their WPM (words per minute) goal, is the moment you celebrate with them and never forget. And you never forget those moments when a student suddenly declares, “I love to read!”

Tutors Tell: Why joining Reading Corps or Math Corps was the right decision

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:26:00 +0000

Math Corps student

Think that AmeriCorps is only for recent college grads? Or that tutoring produces invisible benefits that kids will only appreciate later? Our AmeriCorps tutors will tell you differently. They are from all walks of life and they see the real impact they make every day. Meet our Reading Corps tutors and our Math Corps tutors, and read what they say about how service has had an impact on both their students’ lives and their own lives.

From being a career “stepping stone” and one of the “best experiences of my life” to seeing “amazing amounts of improvement”, tutors appreciate what the experience of serving means.

You or someone you know can become one of more than 1,000 tutors next year. Minnesota Reading Corps–the nation’s largest state AmeriCorps program–and Minnesota Math Corps are taking applications to become a literacy tutor or math tutor, beginning in August. If you or someone you know is interested in working with youth or wants to take a meaningful career step, visit www.MinnesotaReadingCorps.org or www.MinnesotaMathCorps.org to apply.

PreK Reading Corps tutors and their lead teacher

From algebra to valentines: Experience with both Math Corps and Reading Corps

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 22:20:00 +0000

Guest writer Josh Johnson

“Mr. Johnson, I bringed you a Valentine! It has a cat on it.” - Obama Elementary Kindergartner

Okay, so there’s room for improvement in the grammar department, but let’s forgive the five year-old and call that what it is - adorable. The back of the card had a nice dictated-to-mom note saying that I was her favorite, and a drawing of a six-legged creature that I can only assume was a cat. Not a bad way to brighten a Tuesday afternoon, and all in a day’s work as a Minnesota Reading Corps member.

Sentiments like this didn’t flow quite as freely from my middle school students last year, which I spent serving as a Minnesota Math Corps member. I was more likely to have a student pop into my office during passing time and recommend I check out a video on YouTube, or maybe drop off an occasional note that read “Thanks for helping me with math and stuff.” Regardless of the cuteness factor, these gestures all meant a lot to me, and they were all the result of one thing: one-on-one interaction between a caring adult and a student, something that students everywhere need.

Each of the last two years with Minnesota Reading Corps and Math Corps provided a different kind of service. As a Math Corps member, I provided direct service by tutoring a roster of 7th- and 8th-graders in number sense, algebra, probability, geometry, and other mathematical concepts. My Reading Corps year, on the other hand, has been spent working behind the scenes as a Volunteer Coordinator. I encourage community members to volunteer at neighborhood schools. These volunteers are trained in Reading Corps practices, and they help to support the work that our hundreds of Literacy Tutors perform daily.

The personal and professional rewards these two years have provided are innumerable. There have been hugs and high fives aplenty from the little ones, and lasting impact made in the lives of the older students I’ve worked with. I now have a reason to cheer for Central High School’s varsity soccer team, and a potential new career as a teacher to consider. Wherever I end up five years from now, I’m proud to have been a part of statewide initiatives that are in the process of creating student success stories every day.

I Love to Read Month

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:56:00 +0000

Guest writer Clara Owen

February was national “I Love to Read Month”. As a Minnesota Reading Corps Volunteer Coordinator, one of the best parts of what I do is creating fun literacy activities and events at my school, Waite Park. I wanted to create some fun, school-wide activities to celebrate and inspire kids to read.

Hallway Bookworm

One of the kids’ favorite activities was Hallway Bookworms. Waite Park is laid out in three long hallways; kindergarten and 1st grade are in one, 2^nd and 3rd in another, and 4^th and 5^th in the last hallway. Each hallway was given a ‘Starter Bookworm,’ which was the head of the Bookworm. Every time students read a book during the month of February they wrote the title on a small green circle. Each green circle was added to the body of their bookworm and the kids got to see their bookworms grow with each book they read. By the end of the month we had some very impressive bookworms and it was fun to see a visual representation of how much reading the students were doing. Plus, it inspired a little healthy competition because, as 2^nd and 3^rd graders would tell you, they are clearly the best readers at Waite Park because their bookworm was by far the longest (over 100 feet)!

Kids also really enjoyed having weekly Mystery Readers. Each Monday a staff member (with a recognizable voice) read an excerpt from a Dr. Seuss book over the loudspeaker and the students had to guess who the Mystery Reader was and what book they were reading. The kids loved it because it was “soooooooo obvious” who each of the mystery readers were. Each Friday we had a dress-up day to celebrate the Dr. Suess book that the Mystery Reader read. We had crazy sock day, favorite color day, pajama day, and a crazy hat day. The kids liked dressing up, but even more, they loved seeing their teachers wearing crazy things each Friday.

I Love to Read Month is followed up by National Poetry Month!

Each week, students also had the opportunity to earn “I Got Caught Reading” tickets if a teacher or staff member ‘caught’ them going above and beyond in their reading. At the end of the week five names were drawn and those students were recognized as that week’s outstanding readers! The students had a blast with all the reading activities and it was a really fun way to celebrate reading all month. We’ve wrapped up all our “I Love to Read Month” activities but we’re already looking forward to April, which just happens to be National Poetry month!

Announcement: Locations for Minnesota Reading Corps and Math Corps

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:37:00 +0000

Schools around Minnesota are recruiting to fill their Reading Corps and Math Corps tutor positions! In addition to hundreds of returning sites, which include preschools, elementary, middle and junior high schools, we are proud to add new sites to our programs. Reading Corps, the nation's largest state AmeriCorps program, plans to place over 1,000 literacy tutors in more than 600 sites across the state. Math Corps plans to nearly double in size to place over 125 math tutors, spreading statewide to over 100 sites.

You can find an updated map and listing of our sites statewide on our websites: www.MinnesotaReadingCorps.org and www.MinnesotaMathCorps.org.

If you apply to become a tutor, you may indicate your preferred service location on your application. We fill positions on a rolling basis, so the longer you wait to apply, the fewer locations you have to choose from.

Become a Minnesota Reading Corps or Math Corps tutor, and experience life-changing growth. Here’s what some tutors have to say about their service experience:

"Most students show a huge boost in confidence. I've had parents email me about how happy they are because their child no longer avoids reading at home. I love it when students are able to take what they practice with me and apply it at home.” – Holly, Reading Corps member

“I have a couple students that said, I hate math, I hate multiplication, and now they say they want me to assign homework. That's right, homework! They love the fact that they get it now! Math Corps is an 11 month commitment that will change your life!” – Stephanie, Math Corps member

"It is an experience that will enrich your life in so many ways. I have benefited professionally, personally, and spiritually from this program.” – Jennifer, Reading Corps member

Engaging beyond the elementary school

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:04:00 +0000

The goal of the Minnesota Reading Corps is to help every Minnesota child become a successful reader by the end of 3^rd grade. One Reading Corps tutor, Jillian Peterson, has seen first hand why this is so important. Jillian has the unique experience of working with both elementary and middle school students to improve their reading skills.

After graduating from University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Jillian joined Minnesota Reading Corps to get more experience in the field of education. She is currently tutoring 1st through 3^rd graders one on one, as an Elementary Literacy tutor at Pillsbury Elementary School in Minneapolis.

On top of her elementary tutoring, Jillian volunteers at a middle school

Jillian has had a passion for service and volunteering since a young age. Aside from her full-time service with Reading Corps, she chose to volunteer with the Beacons after-school program at Northeast Middle School. Beacons is a free program that offers enrichment and extracurricular classes to over 240 students. Jillian volunteers her time helping the students with their reading, homework, and other projects.

The time Jillian spends volunteering at the middle school not only counts toward her position as a Reading Corps member, but she also enjoys investing in her community. Many of the students at Northeast Middle School have younger siblings who currently attend Pillsbury Elementary, where Jillian serves daily as a Reading Corps tutor. This connection has helped Jillian build even more trust and rapport with her students. Both the elementary and middle school students see her as a stable, trusting adult who is fully invested in their lives and in their community.

Jillian is making a difference in the lives of these middle school students by working individually with them. Volunteering with Beacons after-school program has helped Jillian realize that her experience as a Reading Corps tutor is extremely important. Jillian has seen middle school students struggle in their reading—and that is what motivates her to never underestimate what her elementary students can accomplish. Her students at both the elementary and middle schools have made great strides. Jillian wants to continue to push her students every day to become better and better readers in order to set them up for success in every area of their lives.

Written by Caroline Buechter

A curious child

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:49:00 +0000

Guest writer Carissa Carroll

A second grade teacher at my school told me that when one of my students first started kindergarten, she was practically mute. Even two years later, she hardly speaks in the classroom. “Really?” I asked the teacher. “Sometimes I can’t get her to stop!”

Being in a position of trust in a child’s life is a heavy responsibility. Yet it is an amazing opportunity as well. This particular student has largely been silent at school, but she has been able to find a connection with me, an adult who can listen and answer her questions one on one, during our tutoring sessions.

Tutors build individual relationships with their students

I have worked with this student nearly every day since September. She makes me laugh with the strange questions she asks me, and with her often disbelieving responses to my answers. “Why do you always laugh at me?” she recently asked me in a cartoony voice, and I had to respond, “Because you’re funny!”

She asks why I dye my hair, and scoffs when I tell her it is just naturally red. Everyone knows, of course, that all hair is naturally black like hers. She asks what ‘honk’ means, then giggles when I stumble over explaining how a written word can imitate a sound. I cannot tell her to do a single thing without preparing myself for the inevitable question – an inquisitive, high-pitched, “Why?”

She is utterly candid and curious in a way that always surprises and amuses, even when her curiosity causes uncomfortable questions. For one, “Why do we have to read this boring story?” or “Do you have a baby in your stomach? You look like you do.” Her attitude shows me that not only does she like reading with me, like all my students do, but she also respects me enough to give me an honest piece of her mind when she feels it’s necessary.

Forming a relationship with her this year has been one of the joys of my service with Minnesota Reading Corps. Each day, I strive to spark her active curiosity as we read together. Reading is marvelous for a curious child, and so I work to help her with the tools to read them. For now she’ll ask me questions, but soon she’ll be able to find the answers herself.

Hitting home runs in math

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:42:00 +0000

By guest writer Steve Wikstrom

I would like to use the game of baseball to help explain how I feel my service impacts kids. I served with Minnesota Math Corps in the 2010-11 school year and I am now in the middle of my second year of service. As I think about the kids I have worked with during this time, I feel like I have hit some singles, quite a few doubles, some triples and perhaps a home run or two. I had to exit a couple of students for behavior issues—sometimes made complicated by medication—along the way, and it was hard for me to see them struggle so much. But there is no doubt in my mind that the school staff and I have done good things for the students in the Minnesota Math Corps program.

Steve Wikstrom is serving a second year in Math Corps

I came to Math Corps in a round-about way. I was volunteering at Lino Lakes Elementary school two years ago when the principal told me about Minnesota Reading Corps. I knew nothing about it, so I looked into what the program was all about. I was at a point in my life (58 years old) where I had time to give back to the community and helping children really appealed to me. When I decided to get involved, Reading Corps had all the members they needed for the year. They proceeded to tell me about Minnesota Math Corps and their needs and asked me if I was interested. It made no difference to me if I tutored in reading or math, so I said yes.

My spouse is a Basic Skills teacher and I have three adult children that all went through the Roseville school system. My time with Math Corps has given me much deeper understanding of the challenges and successes that come with elementary school education. I also find it uplifting to be around fourth and fifth graders. Their sense of curiosity, energy, playfulness, and thoughtfulness all help remind me of the good things in life.

When reading clicks

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:41:00 +0000

Guest writer McKenna Carr

Learning to read is a challenge that kids can overcome

Most of the kids that I work with as a Elementary Literacy Tutor are enthusiastic. They eagerly follow me down the hall for “reading practice” and go through the paces of the Reading Corps’ research-proven “interventions” with few problems. But there are days when reading is just not their favorite thing to do. Sometimes, kids are just tired; they are having trouble with reading and sometimes they just can’t summon up any enthusiasm for it because it’s “sooo hard.”

One of the first graders I work with, "Kelly", began the program unenthusiastic about reading. For weeks, we practiced reading pages of three-letter words. Each day would start with her bouncing around the room, or asking me questions about "that building" (the Taj Mahal, which is on a poster in our tutoring room). When it came to vivid words like “cab”, “hug”, and “run” she would actively demonstrate their meaning. The cab "vroom vroom"ed around the room. The length of the room turned into a running track. She’d give me a hug and say, “Like that.” Basically, she was very eager for an excuse to do anything but practice reading.

About a month into our sessions, though, reading began to click. The more we worked at it, the easier it was for her. Where once we were lucky to get through two reading pages, she began to focus and easily soared through eight or nine. It was an amazing improvement, and once she realized that she could do that, the demonstrations of what a cab does became much rarer; she began almost every day with a goal for the number of pages she'd get through, and she'd usually achieve that goal.

Kelly hasn't graduated from the program yet, but she's steadily improving. She still asks me about the Taj Mahal—in fact, I Googled it to find new things to tell her. But it works for me to talk about "that building" before she tackles her reading exercise, and it seems to work for her, too. I love that I can use my time to make such an impact on Kelly’s--and other kids'--reading skills!

So that no kids struggle

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:09:00 +0000

Katelyn Dokken is a Minnesota Reading Corps member, and is serving as a Volunteer Coordinator in Grand Rapids, MN. New to Grand Rapids, but not to AmeriCorps, Katelyn shares her perspective on what it means to be a Volunteer Coordinator.

Katelyn is currently serving in Grand Rapids

Before becoming a Minnesota Reading Corps member in Grand Rapids, I served with another AmeriCorps program at Edison High School in Minneapolis. I really enjoyed the contagiously positive attitude regarding AmeriCorps and national service. I worked with ninth graders who could barely read and write, and spent eight months just studying Romeo and Juliet. It dawned on me that where I really wanted to be was in an early literacy program that helped get kids reading by third grade. A lot of my ninth graders could have been significantly better readers if they had experienced Reading Corps as a first or second grader. I wanted to make sure that no other students experience the same kind of negative attitude towards school that is brought on by years of struggling and not getting the desired and much needed help.

My position with Reading Corps is unique. I am not a tutor, like most members. I am a Volunteer Coordinator, which involves going out and speaking to community organizations, businesses, and college classes to recruit volunteers for our elementary schools. I love recruiting volunteers! I sincerely believe in the idea of volunteering in the community—in whatever capacity you can—so my favorite part of the week is when I get to volunteer myself. I am a “Lunch Buddy” with the Bridges Kinship Mentoring program, reading to a second grade student. I also enjoy volunteering weekly at the library, working with another second grader through a volunteer program that I helped set up in a Grand Rapids’ elementary schools.

I believe that I have gained more independence by serving alone at my site, which is typical of Reading Corps' Northcentral Minnesota region, as opposed to serving alongside several other members, an experience that many Twin Cities members have. Embarrassingly, I had the idea that I wouldn’t run into as many socioeconomic issues in a smaller city, but I understand now that the literacy problem is not uniquely an urban issue. AmeriCorps members are needed everywhere in the state. There are issues that need to be solved no matter where you are located and I’m glad to be able to devote a few years to doing that.

Update on Recruitment and Selection Process

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Applications are flowing in to become a literacy tutor or math tutor! Thank you to everyone who has already submitted their application to serve next year. If you’re considering a year of service with Minnesota Reading Corps or Math Corps, here are some updates and tips about our recruitment process.

Site locations will soon be announced

Next month you will see an updated map of our 2012-2013 sites on our websites. To get a sense of where our tutors currently serve, check out our “locations” pages on the Reading Corps website and Math Corps website. In your application, you can indicate up to three city preferences, as well as three specific site preferences.

The selection process

Our staff is currently reviewing applications and qualified applicants will soon be called for a phone screen. The next step is an interview. Depending on your location in Minnesota, you may be invited to an initial interview with program staff and a second interview with site (school) staff, or you may go through one interview only with both program staff and site staff. See a “Reading Corps road map” or a “Math Corps road map” of our selection process.

What we look for

Reading Corps and Math Corps members are quite literally from all walks of life. We accept applicants from all career backgrounds and majors in college. What we look for is a commitment to your community and experience or passion for helping kids succeed in school. If you can show professionalism, experience serving or volunteering, experience with youth, and can commit to the 11-month long program year, you will likely be considered as a potential member. We expect to see high volumes of applicants, so it’s important that you put your best foot forward, starting with a professional application. Be professional in your communication during the selection process and your presence at interviews.

If you have any questions about becoming a member and haven’t applied yet, contact recruitment@mnedc.org. If you have questions about your application, please contact the person named in the email you initially received. Thanks for applying to become a tutor!

Growing self-confidence in math

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:58:00 +0000

Guest writer Katie Douglass

Oft-heard words by a math tutor: “I don't want to do this—it's too hard!”

One of the best things a student has told me all year was this: “When I come to tutoring, I'm usually in a bad mood. But when I leave, I feel a lot better!” It was immensely satisfying to hear from this student that she actually enjoyed our time together, despite her frustrations with math.

Tutors explain math, but also build confidence

Through my experience tutoring students this year, I've come to appreciate many ways my students are unique from each other. However, there is one thing many of them have in common: many lack self-confidence in their own math skills. The best part of being a Minnesota Math Corps member is that every day I get to encourage them and say, “I know you are smart, and I believe in you.”

Much of the time my role as a tutor is not just to explain the math but to provide the encouragement and kind words to get them through problems when they want to give up. In fact, encouraging students to challenge themselves is one of the most positive aspects of what I do.

Many times I've seen a student come up against a difficult word problem and want to quit even before they've started. Without the self-confidence to tackle harder and harder problems, students miss out on learning opportunities. It is empowering—both to me and the student—when a student solves a problem they previously thought was too hard for them.

We all are human, but often we are not the best judge of our own limits. Part of the game of tutoring is getting students to do work to increase their math skills—but an equally important part is providing students with math experiences that are positive and empowering. Fortunately, supportive and encouraging tutors can bolster student's self-confidence. It is a great thing to see, and I feel lucky that I get to be a part of the change every day!

Turning shock into results

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:40:00 +0000

Guest writer Will Braun

My first year with Minnesota Reading Corps was also, incidentally, the first year I had ever spent in elementary school. It is not as strange as it sounds – I had been homeschooled – and otherwise nothing was unusual about my placement. Kids were kids. They said cute things, they liked LEGOS and dolphins, and every single one wanted to be a good reader.

Tutor Will Braun serves in Albert Lea

In fact, that year, just one thing surprised me: the abrupt difference in how well kids read. I could test two kids from the same class, and in a minute one would read a hundred and ten words and the other would read just ten.

In a way, this was the one thing that shouldn’t have surprised me. I had signed on to help reduced precisely this discrepancy. I had seen the statistics and read the articles and knew that upping reading scores was a major focus of the Minnesota Department of Education. Still, actually experiencing this achievement gap was a shock, and it gave impetus to my tutoring. I could pick up a kindergartner who knew three letters sounds, and a month later, the same little guy would know twenty. I had observable evidence that the Reading Corps tutoring I was providing was helping that kid become the better reader he wanted to be.

And that is why Reading Corps is unique. As a member, you are given a specific task, you do it, and you see results. While you are not obliterating the achievement gap, each kid you tutor helps reduce it, even if by fractions of a percent at a time. As one of my favorite quotes says, “The growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts.” If you want to serve your community – and you like kids and reading – it is hard to think of programs as well-designed and rewarding as Reading Corps.

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Setting Students Up For Success: Being a K-3 Literacy Tutor

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:16:00 +0000

Guest writer Amy Callaghan

Missing tooth grins that greet tutor Amy

I serve at the most vibrant and inspiring place in the world: an elementary school. Who knew that serving at a local school could make you feel like a celebrity? Walking into a classroom and hearing kids gleefully say hello and ask if they can come with you today is an amazing feeling.

Every day, I have the opportunity to meet with K-3^rd grade students for twenty minute, one-on-one literacy tutoring sessions. I wave silently to each of my students as I enter their classroom to pull them out for reading time. They all silently (or not-so-silently) greet me with a missing-tooth grin, floppy pig tails, and smirks. With classroom sizes of 25+, they are excited by the chance to receive one-on-one attention from an adult.

Meeting with the same students every day gives me a unique advantage to monitor their growth as readers and individuals. I have seen amazing amounts of improvement in every student I tutor. At the rate my students were reading at the beginning of this school year, they would have slowly but surely fallen behind their peers with no sign of stopping. The Minnesota Board of Education states that, “Reading well by third grade is a developmental milestone in a child’s educational experience.” From preschool to third grade children are learning to read. After third grade, though, those children need to be reading fluently in order to learn. With Minnesota’s achievement gap being among the widest in the nation, there must be a solution to this education disparity, or else the future of these children is at stake.

Becoming a member of Minnesota Reading Corps or Math Corps is a realistic and data-proven way to help get Minnesota’s children back on track with reading or math. Committing to serving children as a Literacy Tutor or Math Enrichment Tutor for one school year will be a tangible way for you to make a difference in the lives of children. With hundreds of sites located throughout Minnesota, you can become the adult that will make a difference in the lives of children in your community. The application is open to become an Elementary Literacy Tutor or Math Tutor. Apply today at www.JoinReadingCorps.org or www.JoinMathCorps.org.

A day to declare that I will not be silent

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:26:00 +0000

Guest writer Clara Owen

Reading and Math Corps members march for MLK rally

On Monday I attended the Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at St. Paul Central High School. People from all walks of life came together to celebrate, each for their own reason, the life of a man who changed the world. High school students, community members, politicians, myself, and even the woman sitting in front of me who was just so excited to see her son on stage in one of the many performances of the morning.

Walking down the street of a nice, residential neighborhood on a sunny winter day in St. Paul, it is hard to imagine the hardships endured by those who marched in Montgomery or Washington. And yet to see people of all races and ages, walking together toward a common goal, you can’t but be proud of how far we’ve come in the almost 50 years since King’s March on Washington.

One of the speeches that struck me the most was by Representative Keith Ellison. He said that, looking back, someone today could easily think that everyone liked Martin Luther King. That he was as loved and respected while he lived as he is today. Representative Ellison reminded us that that was not the case. King’s life was hard. Every day, he faced what must have looked like an almost insurmountable wall.

And yet he never threw up his hands and saying, the problem is too big, what can one person do, it won’t make any difference. As a Minnesota Reading Corps member it is important for me to remember not only the success, but also the struggle. Seeing so many kids struggle so hard every day you can feel defeated by the size of the problem. But as King said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” As Reading Corps members we are not being silent. We are working each day to achieve the dream King described in 1963. Until all children have a fair chance to succeed we cannot have true equality. This year Martin Luther King Day was more for me than just a Monday off from school. It was a day to declare that I will not be silent, and that I will not give up. I will keep walking forward each day so that some day, somehow we can all live Martin Luther King’s dream.

Being the change I want to see

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:57:00 +0000

Guest writer George Ochoa

George Ochoca is a current literacy tutor

The Minnesota Reading Corps caught my attention because it works to ensure that students are given the vital life skill of reading, which grants them access to a successful future. I decided Reading Corps was something I wanted to be a part of. By serving as an Elementary Literacy Tutor, I could be part of the change I wanted to see in education.

Growing up I had no father figure to look up to, and many of my students share a similar upbringing. Luckily I had strong role models, men and women, who showed me what it meant to be a person of integrity and a life long learner. I strive to be a role model for my students and constantly reinforce the belief that education is the key to opportunity. By giving positive feedback on their efforts and allowing them to learn from their mistakes, my students become comfortable with the process of learning. It is this development that sets the foundation for their future learning and gives them the skills to be role models later in life.

Working with my students has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. Many students become great readers because of the efforts of Minnesota Reading Corps members. like myself There is nothing greater than seeing a student who has no desire to read develop into one of your best students and gain skills that will open doors for future success.

A guarantee for change

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:10:00 +0000

Guest writer Caroline Buechter

Caroline Buechter works with one of her students

Quiet bodies, listening ears, walking feet—these are the phrases that I say most often in a day. You may have already guessed it—I spend my days surrounded by 5 and 6 year olds. I am serving for my second year with Minnesota Reading Corps as a Literacy Tutor ,working with students at The Heights Community School in St. Paul, Minnesota.

I knew after my first year working as a Minnesota Reading Corps tutor that I had to return for a second year. I have seen incredible growth in the reading skills of the students that I have had the opportunity to work with. I have worked with over fifty Kindergarten students throughout my 2 years with Minnesota Reading Corps. I have had the privilege of watching students grow from knowing the sounds for only 1 or 2 letters to knowing how to read full sentences. The joy that shows on their faces as they make these strides is a great reward. My students are proud of themselves for the huge progress that they make. I am incredibly grateful to know that I have played a small part in helping to make these children successful readers and successful students.

Every day, I look forward to going to my site and seeing my students' enthusiasm and excitement. One of my favorite parts of being a Minnesota Reading Corps tutor is building genuine, trusting relationships with my students. While working together, one of my first graders shared with me that she would like to be a teacher when she grows up. She thought for a little bit and then changed her mind, “Actually, I want to be you, Ms. Caroline!” she exclaimed.

Would you like to make a difference in the lives of students in your community? Would you like to play a crucial role in helping students become successful readers? Consider giving 11 months of your life to make a lasting impact on students. Check out joinreadingcorps.org for more information. I guarantee that your life and the lives of your students will be forever changed.

A day in the life of a Preschool Literacy Tutor

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:21:00 +0000

Guest writer Briana Gruenewald

Briana Gruenewald is serving this year as a preschool tutor

“Ms. Bri! Ms. Bri!” cry multiple smiling 4-year-olds as they swarm and shower me with hugs the moment I step into the school lobby. Not a bad way to start a day. Since the beginning of the school year, I have been serving as a literacy tutor in a preschool classroom alongside a lead teacher and a teaching assistant.

Each day looks slightly different, because the children bring their own ideas and disparate moods with them. However, rituals and routines are an integral part of a child’s academic success; therefore, the structure of each day remains virtually the same. Also, the goal is constant: provide the children with the stimulus and skills they need to become successful, motivated readers for the rest of their lives.

Each morning the kids eat breakfast and I sit with a group of them to guide their discussion to something related to a theme or skill that we are working on in the classroom. I also help the kids write their names, read books and stay attentive during morning meeting. Small group is also a daily ritual. There we focus on skills such as letter naming and rhyming.

After all that, we get to the kids’ favorite time of the day – active learning! They are able to move freely among the different centers in the room. My job is to follow the kids’ lead in play and have extended conversations that promote higher-level thinking. This helps me form strong relationships with them, which is crucial for their success in the classroom. The extended conversations also broaden their vocabulary, which is essential for future reading success.

After a short regroup-to-revisit and a good-bye song, the kids are off on the buses. Then, after a short break and prep time, the cycle continues with the afternoon class, right down to the swarm and showering of hugs.

Being a Reading Corps literacy tutor has given me a deep sense of purpose. At the beginning, I was hesitant about being too silly and outgoing with the kids because of the other adults in the room. Now I am more comfortable and know that every song I sing and every conversation I have with kids is filling their brains with valuable knowledge. I’m glad I made the decision to serve with Minnesota Reading Corps because I know I am doing something worthwhile and impactful every day.

College grad finds direction in service

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:01:00 +0000

Guest writer Ariel Ward

I’ve been serving with Minnesota Reading Corps for five months, and it was the best decision of my adult life. Everyone who joins Minnesota Reading Corps cares about kids. Many are very passionate about giving back to the community and making sure that children have the building blocks they need to be successful in life. On top of that, there are many Reading Corps members, like myself, who join with hopes of finding some career direction after having just graduated with college degrees.

Upon graduation, I wasn't sure what to do with my B.A. in Psychology. After a year in limbo, working at a job that definitely didn’t require any schooling, I buckled down and searched for something to build up my resume. What’s this? A year of service, where I would hang out with kids? I’d get a modest living stipend, plus an education award upon completion of that year? I love reading. I think that poor reading skills are a huge problem in today’s world. It sounded perfect, and it sounded infinitely better than my cashiering job.

The achievement gap and Minnesota’s literacy rate are now things that have greater meaning to me. The children I work with every day matter to me. And yes, I’m looking forward to using that education award to go to grad school or pay off student loans, which was a big incentive to join. A year of service looks great on my resume, and it could be the push I need to afford grad school. Regardless, I’m sticking around for one reason: what I do, and who I help, is pretty fantastic.

The application to become a tutor is open!

noreply@blogger.com (Reading Corps and Math Corps Blogger) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:26:00 +0000

The wait is over. You can now apply to be part of next year’s corps as a literacy tutor or math tutor. Find out why Reading Corps and Math Corps tutors say their experience has been “meaningful,” “powerful,” and a “phenomenal resume-builder”—apply now! Submit your application online at either www.JoinReadingCorps.org or www.JoinMathCorps.org.

Before applying, you may have questions. Here are some common ones:

Can I choose which school I want to serve in?

You can identify up to three location preferences. The earlier you apply, the better we are able to honor your preferences. You can see a map of our current locations (set to expand next year!) online. Reading Corps: http://minnesotareadingcorps.org/get-involved/become-a-member/locations and Math Corps: http://minnesotamathcorps.org/become-a-member/locations

What qualifications are you looking for?

A strong candidate will show a dedication to the community through previous volunteer or service experience, has experience working in education or with kids (or has a strong interest), is professional and demonstrates strong communication skills. To be accepted you must have a HS diploma or GED, although a college degree is preferred. Math Corps tutors must demonstrate 10^th grade math skills.

What is the application process?

All applicants go through a phone screen and an interview. Click to see a “road map” of the Reading Corps application process and the Math Corps application process. You can apply for both programs at once, and staff will help you understand early in the selection process which program is a better fit.

What are the hours?

All tutors commit to daytime school hours, and exact school hours depend on the site. Full-time tutors (40 hours/week) are at their site during all hours it is open, and sometimes stay to complete data logging or participate in activities after school. Part-time tutors (20 hours/week) can create a morning or afternoon schedule. Please note that there are far more full-time positions available than part-time.

How much is the “living allowance?”

Reading Corps and Math Corps tutors earn the AmeriCorps stipend. For full-time tutors, it is about $500 every two weeks. For part-time tutors, it is about $250 every two weeks. Additionally, tutors earn an education award upon completion of their service year. This is $5,550 for full-time tutors and $2,775 for part-time tutors. This award can be spent on tuitions, student loans or other educational purposes.

Will I be in a classroom?

Elementary Literacy Tutors and Math Tutors work either one on one or with pairs of students outside of the classroom. Preschool Literacy Tutors are embedded in the classroom alongside a lead teacher and work with small groups, large groups and one on one.

Why serve?

Current and past tutors have said that they chose to serve for many reasons:

· It’s a stepping stone in my career

· The position fit my kids’ school schedule, and allowed me to make a big impact in my own community

· It has built my resume and my professional network

· I am an educator in transition, and this experience keeps me “in touch” and gives me further training

· I wanted to do something meaningful out of college—and the education award helps me pay back my loans

· I’ve retired and this was a way to give back and earn supplemental income

If you have questions about the application process, email recruitment@mnedc.org. You can also post questions to our Facebook pages: facebook.com/MNReadingCorps or facebook.com/MNMathCorps.