The writer is education coordinator and co-founder for the Rock ‘n’ Read Project.
In Johnson’s thoughtful and informative column, it was reassuring to learn that Minneapolis schools are now using “science of reading” strategies to help young students become better readers and that generous funding to support these efforts is being provided by the Minneapolis Foundation, AmeriCorps and Literacy Minnesota. While it is encouraging to know Minneapolis schools are being equipped and empowered in these various ways, I would like to draw public attention to another literacy program that is making a noticeable difference in the lives of young students — a program known as Reading Partners.
Reading Partners is a national program with a Minnesota branch that seeks to place volunteer tutors in schools. The program provides one of the best opportunities for concerned adults to become actively involved in the effort to help students become better readers. As a retired teacher myself who is serving again this year as a volunteer tutor, I can report that the experience of working one-on-one with a young student has the potential to be — and commonly is — a heartwarming and rewarding experience for both the tutor and the student. I’m writing this letter to encourage adults in our community to consider donating an hour of time each week as a Reading Partner volunteer to a young student whose life may be permanently changed by the kindness and encouragement of a caring adult.
Reading Partners has been working in Minnesota as a nonprofit organization for about a decade, and it continues to rely on the generosity and kindness of caring adults — ”ordinary folks” who want to make a difference. As Brooke Rivers, Reading Partners’ local executive director, has noted, “The more volunteers we can get in the door, the more students we can serve.” Those interested in serving as volunteer tutors can find more information about Reading Partners at several online sites. The need for tutors is great, and now is the perfect time for those with hearts to serve to step forward and become volunteers in an outstanding service program.
