Deb retired in early 2021 with three careers under her belt, but her leave from the workforce didn’t last long when she learned about Reading Corps and decided to get involved as a retiree.
Starting in corporate sales, Deb’s first career switch occurred about halfway through her working life when she shifted her focus to education. She spent ten years as a music minister for kids ages birth to five before she needed another change, so she moved into curriculum development and published several books in the field.
Twelve years later, Deb retired, but something was missing. “I didn’t want another full-time career, but I still wanted to be of service to my community, have a great reason to get up in the morning and have fun using the skills that I have,” she says.
After an online search for tutoring positions, a recommendation from a friend and Math Corps alum, and informational meetings with a parent and a Reading Corps coach, Deb was all-in. She applied to be a tutor in Chanhassen.
Now in her second term, Reading Corps has fulfilled Deb’s wants for a purpose in her retirement. “When I’m with a student for Reading Corps, it does not feel like work,” she says. “It’s one of those experiences where I feel like I get as much as or more than what I give.”
But for some students, the time tutors give is invaluable. “If every child had a caring adult spend 20 minutes with them every day, what a difference in the world there would be,” Deb explains. “When I see them get excited about what they’re doing and realize their progress and their confidence as readers, that’s the best I can ask for.”
Eastern Carver County School District still needs tutors! If you are like Deb and want to make a difference with your time, learn more and apply at join.readingandmath.org. Apply by December 14, 2022 to begin in January.