Word of Life’s After-School Tutoring Program

Janey menner and primary student

For the last several years, teachers at Word of Life Lutheran School have been providing a tutoring program for New American children several afternoons a week. The program is supported with funds from the Lutheran Foundation and serves students who are receiving scholarships from CFNA and also from the Today and Tomorrow Scholarship program. More than 30 students participate in the program.

Mindy Hanke, the first grade teacher, oversees the whole program. Mindy is assisted regularly by Janey Menner, a special education teacher, and by Laurie Jones, who knows all the older children well since she teaches 5th through 8th grade history. All of Word of Life’s teachers assist these teachers by communicating directly about students’ academic needs. This communication makes a real difference in the effectiveness of this program. The tutors know the background of the students and the challenges they face at home, including responsibility for younger siblings.

An example of the value of that communication among the teachers is the work that everyone engaged in last spring to help two fourth grade boys who were having lots of behavioral issues. Everyone worked together to develop stronger personal relationships with them so that the boys would see Word of Life as a safe place for them. This year the boys are thriving academically and are also participating actively at Timothy, where they are regular acolytes.

The children want to learn and do well in school, but they continue to face challenges. Many of them do not speak English at home—in fact, some speak more than one language at home. Their parents, although supportive of their educational efforts, often cannot help with homework, because they have limited English capability. In addition, many of the parents work night shift jobs, so they are not home to help with assignments.

The students are very supportive of each other—the older children often volunteer to help younger children during the tutoring sessions. And the teachers really care about these students and their futures, which is why they work together and communicate with each other about each student, giving of their time and God-given gift of teaching.

By Judith Meyer Timothy Lutheran Church