“I started tutoring math when I went to college in 1973. Last year I realized that I’ve been tutoring for 50 years, so I guess it’s my thing!” laughs Marsha, a Math Corps member in Jackson, Mississippi. “I just love helping people.”
Even in retirement, she’s still finding ways to make a difference in her community. Marsha recently wrapped up her second year as a Math Tutor at a nearby elementary in Jackson and took some time to reflect on her passion for helping students learn.
Marsha’s Journey from Education to Math Corps Tutor
Marsha is no stranger to supporting local schools. Over the course of her career, she held a variety of jobs, often in the field of education. Marsha worked at Jackson State University for years, spent time as a geometry teacher, and after becoming a mom, she even worked as a parent educator.
These days, Marsha is putting all those years in the classroom to good use as she helps local students reach grade level in math. She has found that Math Corps not only builds necessary skills for students, but the lessons also help them build faith in themselves too.
Inspiring Confidence and Growth in Students
“I had this student that was really struggling,” she says. “To see the growth that she made and the confidence that she gained, to see her work so hard and be able to achieve some of her goals… that really touched my heart.”
One key that Marsha has found to reaching students is making sure that they feel understood and cared for. One of the advantages of tutoring in small groups is that they allow for ample personal attention between tutors and students. Because of this, Marsha has been able to create meaningful connections with many students and helped them make more progress.
“When I started, I told the students, ‘I don’t work for the school district. I work for you,’” she recalls. After getting over their initial shock, the students latched onto the idea that there was someone working on their behalf. “The kids just wanna know that someone cares about them. Once they know that you care about them, they are really receptive.”
It’s easy to see how much Marsha cares; her face lights up when she describes getting to work with students in the Jackson community. And her students show appreciation right back. Marsha has such a strong reputation for fun that many students want to be tutored, regardless of their grades. She routinely gets asked by students who aren’t scheduled for sessions about when it will be their turn for lessons. As she likes to put it, “The kids get a kick out it!”
Continuing a Family Legacy of Service
The way students have embraced Marsha reflects her lifelong passion for serving others, which she credits to her mother. Marsha comes from a long line of people who have worked hard to uplift the members of their communities.
“I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors,” she says. “My mom used to be a head start teacher. She is 91, and her last job was volunteering as a senior companion. She did that for 27 years!”
Marsha is keeping her family tradition going: This fall, she began her third year as a Math Tutor. She couldn’t be more excited to continue making a difference in her community and helping students succeed.
“I enjoy what I do: I love serving others,” she says through a smile. “The kids are such a joy.”
If you want to help the students in your community achieve more, apply to Math Corps! Learn more about the program and openings at join.readingandmath.com.