Difference Makers: Tutors and Mentors
Let’s start with standard definitions and benefits of tutors and mentors and make the case that at no time in history have these two roles been more important and critical in San Joaquin County.
Tutors are quiet heroes, doing small things that make a big difference. Tutors help youngsters develop their own methods for independent study and improve a youngster’s self-confidence. Some children don’t feel comfortable asking questions in a classroom setting and when given the chance to ask questions of an individual tutor, children learn to be better communicators because of the confidence their tutor develops. Adults need tutors as well, and a tutor builds the confidence of a career transitioner, a returning veteran or a hobbyist with a desire to be better.
A mentor is a person who gives a younger or less experienced person help and advice over a period of time, especially at work or during a schooling experience. These can be formal relationships such as mentor teachers who help develop beginning teachers or teachers who are beginning a new assignment like teaching younger children or a new subject area. Mentoring can be enormously beneficial for both the mentor and the mentee. Mentors report the joys of helping others and the reduction of stress that a mentee feels because of the time invested by the mentor.
The benefits are clear for everyone. Tutoring and mentoring help all.
The challenge is that we don’t have enough tutors–anywhere–not just in San Joaquin County but across the country. Plans for new tutoring and mentoring programs have sometimes been scaled back, delayed or scrapped as schools and families struggle to find the people they need. There is a new initiative called the National Partnership for Student Success, aimed to help solve the problem. Announced in July, its goal is to get 250,000 new tutors, mentors and coaches into schools and with youth over the next three years.
Can we solve the problem of having funds but too few people ready and willing to tutor and be paid? I think we can. Stay tuned. In the meantime, opportunities in our area abound. Here are several.
Math Easy Tutoring, San Joaquin County Office of Education: Math Easy Tutoring provides free drop-in tutoring in math for any 5th through 12th grade student. Tutors share their enthusiasm and expertise and offer individual attention and encouragement. Math Easy Tutoring invites teachers, college students, advanced high school students and community members to share their love of math by volunteering to become a tutor. For more information about the program or how to volunteer as a tutor, please call (209) 468-9177 or email dortega@sjcoe.net.
The Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library Adult Literacy Program: One in four adults in San Joaquin County lacks basic literacy skills. Through one-on-one tutoring done by volunteers from the community, the Adult Literacy Program’s goals are to promote and maintain the basic literacy skills of English-speaking adults. Adult learners set their own goals so that they may participate more fully in society as parents and family members, as workers and as community members and citizens. This program is funded largely by a California Library Literacy Services grant. To become a tutor or a learner in the Adult Literacy Program, call (209) 937-7778.
Air Tutors: Let’s also celebrate a local hero in the world of tutoring. Let’s lift a glass and sing the praises of Stockton’s own Hasan Ali. Hasan is a social entrepreneur and founder of Air Tutors. His organization of talented virtual tutors is changing lives around the planet. For more information, contact Hasan at airtutors.org.
The research is clear that high dosages of tutoring and mentoring build skills. Tutors and mentors are difference makers. Think about those roles and if you’re interested give me a call at San Joaquin A+.
To learn more and share comments or other story ideas:
• Visit the SJA+ website at sjaplus.org
• Email me at don@sjaplus.org
Written by: Don Shalvey
Dr. Don Shalvey is the CEO of San Joaquin A+. He is widely recognized as an innovative leader in public education. Don’s career includes roles as a teacher and principal, ten years as superintendent in San Carlos, founder of both California’s first charter school and Aspire Public Schools, and 11 years as a deputy director for K-12 education at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Dr. Shalvey is a frequent advisor to policy makers and school system leaders. The prestigious Ashoka Foundation recognized Don as a Fellow for his outstanding work as a social entrepreneur. Don brings a half-century of experience to the boards he serves, including his role as a Regent at the University of Pacific, the oldest chartered university in California. Don earned an EdD in educational leadership and administration from the University of Southern California, an EdM in counseling and guidance from Gonzaga University and a BA from LaSalle University.
don@sjaplus.org
sjaplus.org
