Even with Uncertain Fall, Schools have Shortages of Math, Reading Tutors

The Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps expect to see an even greater need for their services when school resumes, due in part to COVID-19 and distance learning. The status of students in school for the fall semester is uncertain, but the nonprofit still needs to hire several tutors for local schools.

“This year with the significant break due to COVID-19, we’re anticipating along with many school partners in the state that student need is going to be significantly larger than we’ve ever seen in our program.
 said Chris Erickson with Reading Corps and Math Corps. “So we’re trying to get the word out to let people know there is going to be such a great need this year because of the time off.”

Tutors expect students to need more tutoring in the fall because distance learning could increase the knowledge gap normally created by the summer slump.

Minnesota Reading Corps tutors and Minnesota Math Corps tutors are needed for three different levels of commitment: 35, 25 or 18 hours a week, beginning in August 2020. This year, tutors can opt to serve just a single semester or make a commitment for a full academic year.

Full-time tutors receive a stipend of $640 every two weeks. They can also earn additional money for student loans or tuition. The education award can also be gifted to a family member if the tutor is age 55 or older.  Many tutors also qualify for additional benefits like free health insurance and childcare assistance.

Tutors Will Adapt to an Uncertain Fall Semester

Since there’s still a question of whether students will meet in-person, learn through distance learning, or a combination of the two, the nonprofit has been developing programs for every scenario.

“We have been working really hard from the top down to put together a list of packages from our schools that to say no matter what contingency plan might bring your way and what changes might come with the school, we have flexibility on our end to ensure that our members can still engage in meaningful service throughout the year,” said Erickson. “We do have the capacity for our tutors to support whatever form of distance learning is going on at their school. Of course, it looks a little different from the in-person model we normally work with. But that’s been a priority for us to have meaningful options for tutors to still engage with students.”

Interested in applying? Go to readingandmath.net or call 866-859-2825.

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