When Iona classes moved online in Spring 2020 in response to COVID-19, so did classes for K–12 students throughout the state. Amanda Howerton-Fox, Ph.D., assistant professor of Education, was teaching an introductory literacy course to undergraduates. Amid this disruption, she saw an opportunity to reach out to the community through an online tutoring program.
How did the tutoring program develop?
It occurred to me that it would be a wonderful opportunity to have my students practice their literacy lessons with elementary school children. And as a parent myself, I knew how hard it was to keep my kids engaged all day, so I figured parents would be happy to sign their children up for some extra literacy lessons. Within three weeks, we had about 40 tutors signed up. Since then, the program has grown to nearly 80 tutors, inclusive of incoming freshmen, faculty, staff and alumni.
What were some of the rewards?
It is incredibly rewarding to see the tutors make connections with children who are otherwise feeling so disconnected. And for me, launching the program was a critical part of my coping with the tragedy of the pandemic. I knew there was so much suffering beyond my walls, and I wanted desperately to help, but it was so hard to know what to do if I couldn’t leave my house. The tutoring program gave me a way to give back, and I love that it has provided that for others in the Iona community, as well.
What do you think was the most important lesson for the tutors? For the students?
For the tutors, the most important lesson has been that there is always a way to connect and to give back; you just need to reach people where they are.
Also for our tutors, particularly those studying to be teachers, being forced to move their instruction online created a steep learning curve for them as it did for all educators. It caused them to think in novel ways about everything from classroom management to assessment. I have no doubt that these new skills will serve our students well.
For the children who were tutored, I hope they have learned that there are people out there who care deeply for them, their happiness, and their futures, even while they’re stuck inside their homes.
Alejandra Diaz ’19; MST expected ’21
What did you learn about tutoring or about
online tutoring?
Kids still get just as excited to learn outside a classroom.
Why did you volunteer for tutoring?
I volunteered because I love children, and I knew that if we were struggling with adjusting to remote learning, so were younger students. I thought it would be helpful to offer students additional help and comfort during this difficult time.
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