The Sun Patriot: Read all about it: Tutors have lasting impact

This op-ed was originally published in The Sun Patriot on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. 

By Al Lohman

Research shows early command of reading and math is a predictor of future success, both academically and in life, according to education professionals. Yet, fewer than a third of Minnesota students are achieving critical proficiency in either subject.

Minnesota Reading Corps (MRC), Math Corps, and Early Learning Corps are AmeriCorps tutoring programs which put tutors in classrooms to help address the issue. The programs served more than 30,000 Minnesota students over the course of the 2023-2024 school year.

All three elementary schools in District 110 have tutors through the program and it is a great asset, say principals.

Two dedicated reading tutors, Katelyn Nenovich and Amy Jensen, are completing their fourth year — Nenovich at Laketown and Jensen at Southview. MRC has a term limit of four years on tutors, so they will be departing their roles as the school year ends.

“The Minnesota Reading Corps program is so impactful and having talented tutors is the reason why,” said Keith Baune, Laketown principal.

Reading tutors work with early learners in kindergarten through third grade to give them extra help to reach reading benchmarks. That is done one-on-one in 20-minute sessions. It’s the same for math.

Trained tutors serve at local schools where they work with students to provide extra skill-building and practice. Educators and independent evaluations indicate that with early intervention, students make greater gains and faster progress. Once they get beyond third grade that comes harder.

Jensen and Nenovich say they were drawn to the one-on-one aspect in becoming tutors, and principals say the relationships they build with students are just as important as the curriculum and practice they provide.

“Katelyn has been such a great support for the students at Laketown Elementary,” Baune said. “The impact she had doesn’t just include their growth in reading, but also the relationships she has built with each student.”

It’s the same at Southview.

“Southview Elementary has truly been fortunate to have Amy Jensen’s expertise and skill in supporting our struggling readers,” said Southview Principal Khuzana DeVann. “She has dedicated her career to advocating for and teaching struggling readers with a record number of students moving on from the program due to reading success.”

DeVaan adds that Jensen helped build a reading program that is held in high regard, and “…developed caring and lasting relationships that embody the essence of Waconia Public Schools.”

Between them, Jensen and Nenovich have provided support to nearly 200 students and each has performed around 2,000 tutoring hours of service, principals report.

Of unique note, Jensen is on the tail end of her career and is now retired with the conclusion of her Reading Corps stint, while Nenovich is just getting started in her career.

Jensen said she was touched by well wishes from current students and former students who said, “She taught me how to read.”

Meanwhile, Nenovich, who has an undergraduate degree in psychology from St. Thomas University, said being a tutor in a school setting was useful is helping her decide on a career and she expects to return to an elementary school setting when her education in complete. She is currently pursuing a master’s in psychology at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Being a tutor also will help her pay for that education.

In addition to providing a rewarding career experience and job flexibility, Nenovich and Jensen point out that Americorps tutoring programs offer excellent benefits, including a stipend to pay for college tuition or student loans. In Jensen’s case, hers will be gifted to her grandchildren.

Al Lohman is a writer for HometownSource and the Sun Patriot. 

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