Volunteer Tutors Help Students Improve Math & Reading Skills
The United Way of Greater Nashville is seeking volunteers for its 2021-22 Raise Your Hand tutoring program in Williamson County. Tutors serve before and after school alongside teachers to help first- through fourth-grade students who are struggling with reading and math. Volunteers commit to one hour per week for up to ten weeks, tutoring students individually or in small-group sessions starting in September. No teaching experience is required, and training is provided.
“We rely so much on our volunteer tutors to listen to and coach each child to succeed in the classroom,” said Sonya Johnson, Manager, Education Initiatives at United Way.“
Our tutors help break down learning barriers that so many children face—especially during the pandemic—and help them gain the tools they need to be confident learners. This program could not happen without the support of our dedicated volunteers.”
Since 2012, Raise Your Hand has partnered with administrators and teachers at Williamson County Schools and Franklin Special School District to implement free tutoring sessions. For the 2020-21 school year:
- Volunteer tutors helped 251 students from twelve elementary schools.
- Volunteers provided sixteen weeks of virtual tutoring services.
- Service capacity was reduced to fifty-two percent to ensure the safety of all participants.
- Ninety percent of students improved their reading skills.
- Ninety-three percent of students improved their math skills.
Participation is free for students, thanks to dedicated volunteers and generous grants from the Volunteer Generation Fund, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.
251 Students received tutoring during out-of-school time due to COVID
12 Elementary schools participated
90% Of students improved their reading skills
93% Of students improved in math
To learn more about Raise Your Hand or to become a volunteer, visit unitedwaygreaternashville.org/raise-your-hand.
