While school’s out and summer is well underway, 19 community members are fresh off a school year spent tutoring Winona area students – and reflecting on their collective impact.
Since 2013, Winona area schools have partnered with Reading Corps, Math Corps, and Early Learning Corps – evidence-based AmeriCorps tutoring programs designed to help all students build strong foundational skills. With extra support from a tutor, incredible things happen. In fact, students often make more than a year’s progress during the school year!
A Year of Impact and Growth
During the 2025-26 school year, tutors served in six schools across Winona and the surrounding communities. Together, they tutored 443 students, providing nearly 350,000 minutes of extra support! These efforts resulted in impressive outcomes. Across Reading Corps, Math Corps, and Early Learning Corps, 82% of local students receiving tutoring showed growth.
Tutors meet with students in pairs or small groups during the school day. Trained in strategies that are proven to work, they provide extra practice and skill-building to preschool through eighth-grade students.
“Being able to watch all of the children I’ve worked with demonstrate their new skills and abilities these last few weeks of the school year has been especially rewarding,” shared Jaci Bedtka, one of Community Kids Preschool’s Early Learning Corps tutors.
As part of working with students for reading and math practice, tutors carefully monitor progress to guide their sessions. Tutors receive ongoing coaching from school and program staff to maximize student growth.
“I have had multiple teachers tell me how excited their students are for their Reading Corps and Math Corps time,” says Stacy Rasmussen, Winona Area Schools’ Title 1 Coordinator and Internal Coach for Reading Corps and Math Corps. “Our tutors have been awesome at forming meaningful relationships, as well as growing students academically.”
The targeted support makes a big difference – 66% of Winona’s Reading Corps students exceeded target growth, and 84% of K-3 Math Corps students improved their math skills by at least 20% this past school year.
“We have seen large improvements in foundational skills on NWEA testing results,” shares Sara Fellman, Elementary Dean of Academics and Instructional Coaching at St Luke Hall. “Plus, there’s been growth in end-of-term grading. The knowledge gained from Math Corps transfers to whole group instruction in the classroom.”
Looking Ahead to Fall 2026
To provide extra support to help students succeed with reading and math this fall, tutors are needed across the state.
Whether you’re a recent graduate, parent, or retiree looking to give back, tutoring with Reading Corps, Math Corps, and Early Learning Corps is an incredible way to invest in students and your community. Both full-time and part-time opportunities are available. Tutors receive a paycheck every two weeks, equivalent to about $17.50+ per hour served, plus extra money to pay for college tuition or student loans. Full-time tutors also qualify for free health insurance.
Learn more and find an opportunity near you at Join.ReadingandMath.org.