Teach for Columbus

This article is dedicated to acknowledging examples of positives that express the community spirit of Columbus – our town.

Are you a retired teacher... farmer...nurse...waitress...business owner? These are just a few categories and I think that you can add some more. If you are retired – yes, any profession, you are eligible for T4C – TEACH 4 COLUMBUS. T4C is the name for a group of volunteers tutoring students in Columbus Elementary School. The program is under the direction of the LANGUAGE ARTS SPECIALIST, MS. Langerhans and with the endorsement of the principal, M S Neisner. The volunteers are community individuals motivated by the desire to see CES students master basic academic skills. The volunteers wish to create a thriving community of learners. Yes, some are people with teaching backgrounds, but most are mature individuals with the skill and desire to help. All volunteers undergo vetting by CES. Interested??? Students who are struggling with skills are identified by Ms Langhamer and the classroom teacher. These students and their tutors will work on the mastery of English – speaking, reading, comprehending, and writing and/or mathematics at their grade level.

Are you a candidate? Here’s how the program works. Ms. Langhamer and the classroom teacher identify the students who are struggling. Following a daily schedule, those students come to Ms. Langhamer’s room for special instruction. It is here that the volunteers select/ are assigned one or two students to instruct. The predetermined curriculum is assigned in half hour sessions. Usually a volunteer will tutor the same student, thus building repor and confidence.

As a volunteer, how will I know the success of my work? Ms. Langhamer will report monthly on the progress of the group that she and the volunteers instruct. All STARR results will be reviewed by the school and T4C to assess progress.

By now, could I count you in? A prospective volunteer comes to the tutoring session with a current volunteer. You will observe the process and tutor a bit if you are comfortable. Then the next step to join T4C is clearing the vetting process. That done, he/she is ready to join this dedicated group and change lives.

Here’s hoping this could become one of the most exciting events of this year. Three cheers for those folks who are in T4C and those who choose to join.

How do I find out more about T4C or try tutoring? Contact B Peterman at blphoutx@yahoo. com