On May 16, we were thrilled to be in attendance as eleven Reading Corps members crossed the stage at the University of Minnesota’s Mariucci Arena to accept their diplomas. The graduation ceremony was the culmination of two years of hard work, study, and national service as part of the Minnesota Grow Your Own Teacher program. For the new graduates, the event marked the end of their journey as tutors and the beginning of a new chapter as licensed teachers!
Partnering with the University of Minnesota, Reading Corps offers a unique opportunity to earn a Master of Education (MEd) and K-8 teaching license. For members, the experience is like no other. While tutors gain paid experience working with students, they also complete coursework toward their education degree. The program is helping to train the next generation of teachers in Minnesota and provide AmeriCorps members with an affordable pathway to earning their teaching credentials.
“We are so proud of our Reading Corps graduates,” says Chue Xiong, Director of Minnesota Programs & Strategic Initiatives. “Members get connected right away to a local school, where they can learn from teachers as role models. Tutoring also means they become a real part of the school community, enhancing their experience as a future teacher.”
For those members, serving in AmeriCorps isn’t just a way to boost their professional skills, it’s a fulfilling way to make an impact on students in their community. Many Reading Corps tutors report that it’s the personal connections that stay with them the most.
“My favorite part of service was seeing that confidence on students’ faces,” says Charito, one of the 2025 MNGOT grads. “I remember when I noticed students becoming better readers and realized I was making a big difference in their lives.”
Charito is one of a handful of graduates this year who tutored for two full years before joining MNGOT, meaning she completed four full years of AmeriCorps service: the maximum allowed by federal rules. That dedication to supporting students will be a big help when she becomes a full-time teacher. By combining high-impact tutoring with student teaching and rigorous graduate studies, all MNGOT alumni have ample opportunities to learn how they can connect with students.
“I love using my creativity to make reading and learning fun for my students,” says Anissa, another new graduate. “I’m looking forward to becoming a teacher this year!”
Congratulations to all our graduates this year on an incredible job well done. We can’t wait to see the impact you’ll have on generations of students to come!
Getting qualified, experienced teachers into classrooms is more important than ever. Reading Corps is proud to be a part of the journeys for these future educators. Visit readingandmath.org/mngot to learn more about Minnesota Grow Your Own Teacher and see how you can apply!