For Mikayla, serving in Reading Corps didn’t just help her eventually become a teacher, it helped her discover her career purpose. Today, she’s a third-grade teacher and internal coach for Reading Corps at the same school she tutored at in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Mikayla developed an interest in the science of reading while studying elementary education in college, but she wasn’t quite ready to commit to a career in the field. However, a conversation with a friend about AmeriCorps showed her a path to turn her academic passion into an opportunity to do good.
By becoming a tutor in Reading Corps, she would be able to gain real-world experience in a school and help students build vital literacy skills. In the end, she dove in and chose to serve as a tutor at an elementary school in Milwaukee.
“I really saw the need for one-on-one reading intervention for scholars in the area,” she says. “I was inspired to help.”
Forming Strong Bonds
Mikayla began her year of service in the fall of 2020, the first school year to start during the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift to remote learning posed unique challenges for teachers, administrators, and tutors alike, but Mikayla persisted and found that the work she did with her students was invaluable. She loved seeing her students make progress each week and being part of their success.
“We learned together” she says. One student and his grandmother even decorated their house like a classroom and went out of their way to let Mikayla know she made a difference. “At the end of the year, they sent me a ‘World’s Best Online Tutor’ certificate!”
Tutoring in an urban environment gave Mikayla an understanding of student needs that went beyond the classroom. Just like strong reading skills, getting consistent support in education has positive results for students that last a lifetime.
“The kids want to learn so badly, but they don’t always have the resources. Being that consistent person who shows up for them day in and day out is huge,” says Mikayla. “It really gives me purpose.”
From Tutor to Teacher
Watching students improve inspired Mikayla with the confidence to use her degree to its full extent and go into education full time. Her service helped her gain experience and develop great relationships with the school administration, who hired her as a third-grade teacher at the end of the year! She’s been at the school for three years and counting and has even gotten to teach some of the students she had once tutored. Service was a great career steppingstone, and her tutoring expertise still helps her shape the next generation of learners.
“I felt very prepared,” she says, reflecting on her journey from tutor to teacher. “There are so many lessons from the interventions that I catch myself doing now in my classroom as best practices.”
Mikayla also serves as the internal coach for Reading Corps at her school, meaning she helps new tutors understand the science of reading and navigate the challenges of working with students. She loves offering guidance and support backed by her own experience. And just like Mikayla, the new tutors are thriving: Her principal hopes to bring in more Reading Corps members next year!
For those considering tutoring through Reading Corps, Math Corps, or Early Learning Corps, schools like Mikayla’s are always looking for more support. Tutoring is just one of many impactful ways you can serve with us, visit join.readingandmath.org to learn more and find openings near you.