Now is the time to consider becoming a reading tutor for a struggling Baltimore City Public School student. The Brown Memorial Tutoring Program staff is excitedly planning for the new tutoring year. No prior teaching experience is required to be a tutor.
The Brown Memorial Tutoring Program is dedicated to helping children in Baltimore City learn to read and succeed in school. Each year approximately 75 to 80 students from three Baltimore City Public Schools come to Brown Memorial to receive 75 minutes of one-on-one instruction in reading. The program’s goal is to help students improve their reading and writing skills and to awaken in them a love of reading.
Opening Day for all tutors is Wednesday, September 14, 9:45 a.m. to noon, followed by a luncheon provided by the tutoring program. Recognizing the fact that many of our students have focusing problems, we thought it would benefit all of us to learn more about Mindfulness. The Holistic Life Foundation, a nonprofit that partners with some of Baltimore City’s public schools running after-school programs, is sending us Jamar Peete to speak about Mindfulness and facilitate an hour long workshop.
The foundation describes Mindfulness as “a combination of awareness, centering, and being present.” By using some of their strategies, we hope to minimize external distractions and help our students stay centered in all situations.
On Thursday, September 15, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., we will offer an Orientation for new tutors when we’ll give a tour of the materials, describe tutoring procedures and teach some of the fundamental components of effective tutoring.
Then, September 20-21, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., our very own expert, Maryann Povell, will lead training sessions on the basics of Orton Gillingham. This is a multi-sensory, phonetic approach to reading instruction that has been invaluable for our work with children who have learning difficulties.
Please join us for a rewarding and mutually beneficial experience of helping a child achieve academic success. With eight sessions a week, Monday through Thursday, you can select one that works with your schedule.
For more information, contact Tutoring Program Director, Martha Socolar, 410-467-2195, or [email protected].