Volunteer Tutors Help Students Improve Math, Reading Skills
United Way needs volunteers to tutor Williamson County students struggling in reading and math, specifically in Spring Hill, Tenn., and Fairview, Tenn.
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 10 weeks tutoring students individually or in small-group sessions. No teaching experience is required, and training is provided. High school students looking for volunteer hours are encouraged to apply.
“We rely so much on our volunteer tutors to listen to and coach each child to success 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 12 elementary schools.
- Volunteers provided 16 weeks of virtual tutoring services.
- Service capacity was reduced to 52 percent to ensure the safety of all participants.
- 90 percent of students improved their reading skills.
- 93 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. To learn more about Raise Your Hand or to become a volunteer, visit unitedwaygreaternashville.org/raise-your-hand.