Throughout her life, Colleen Denice-Rossiter has always focused on serving others. Before becoming a full-time parent, she served with Peace Corps, taught kindergarten, became certified as a Certified Nursing Assistant and in American Sign Language, worked in the homecare field, and was a classroom volunteer. After her children were grown, she was eager to get back into the classroom and see if it was the right fit. Already familiar with AmeriCorps—and the importance of reading—Colleen thought she’d give Minnesota Reading Corps a try. As a K-3 Scholar Coach, she gets to experience the classroom environment while also serving her community.
The Scholar Coach position supports both the teacher and the students in the classroom. This way, students benefit from both individualized tutoring and the presence of another caring adult in the classroom. The teacher can count on the Scholar Coach to help kids that could benefit from some extra attention. The Scholar Coach integrates the teacher’s lessons into their tutoring sessions and collaborates with the teacher to decide how best to support students. Colleen also works one-on-one with students for 20 minute sessions. “I feel like the [Scholar Coach program] is beneficial because I am able to see what is happening in the classroom and connect that to the interventions. I had a very supportive relationship with the teacher,” Colleen explains.
Colleen’s favorite aspect of being a Scholar Coach is building relationships with the students. “I realize when I’m in the presence of kids that I know so much less than I thought I did. Everybody has something to teach me as well,” she says. “When we read together, they see their success and realize it’s going to help them with other topics. They feel proud as things get easier for them.”
Out of many great kids, one student’s story was especially memorable. M started out the school year with reading skills below grade average. With Colleen’s help, she was reading 90 words per minute by May and her mom jokingly asked who was teaching her to read so well because she was reading her mom’s text messages!
“I think that the Scholar Coach position is fabulous…Learn from the people, take in as much as you can, give as much as you can, and listen. I benefited so much from watching [students’] progress and also just watching their whole attitude change.”
Colleen’s classroom experience was everything she hoped for, and she is now not only returning for another year of service, but also using her Education Award to obtain a reading specialist license and pursue a career in education.
If you would like to join a school community as a Scholar Coach or would like more information please email Andrew Mueller or check out our available positions.
Forward this opportunity to a friend or apply now! Be sure to apply by July 25th to start in August.