Guest writer Maria Lofsuten

A couple of weeks ago I went to the African American Leadership Forum, which brought a group of people together to discuss why African American student success rates, based primarily on standardized test scores, are so far below those of White students’. Experts at the forum believe this achievement gap is comprised of 5 different gaps: preparation, belief, time, teaching, and leadership. The forum attempted to explain more specifically why the achievement gap exists, and to think about what can be done to close it.

As I sat listening to the presenters, I sat there wondering what I can do to help sooner rather than later. Then I remembered that I am already doing something.

Guest writer Ariel Smelter

“It’s like my heart is a piñata, and it’s going to burst with happiness!”

Charlie looks up from his story and beams at me. After weeks of practicing together, he has finally reached his reading goal, and he is officially at grade level reading targets. He grins and proceeds to tell the other Reading Corps staff in the room just how proud of himself he is.

It’s moments like these that fill my day with genuine joy.

Guest writer Erica Solorio

When we least expect it, certain aspects of our lives change.  Once in a while change is extremely difficult to manage, especially when it involves the loss of a loved one or sudden financial instability.  Other times, an individual will seek change in order to help themselves grow emotionally or intellectually, which may involve leaving their current occupation.

Guest writer Venna Tschida

I have a confession to make. I didn't excel in math.  Not because I couldn't do math, but because I didn't care. In fact, I may could have been a Math Corps student myself if the program had existed when I was in elementary school.

My friends didn't care about homework either.  We’d tell our parents we did our homework when we were really talking about which boy band was better.  My grades suffered but I got by.

Guest writer Andy Franet

I am coming to the twilight of my first year as a Literacy Tutor for the Minnesota Reading Corps and I have found it to be a very enriching and unique year.  Nobody quite understands the uniqueness of Reading Corps more than our team of Master Coaches. Reading Corps Master Coaches have deep backgrounds in education and have seen the program develop over the years.

Guest writer Aprill Emig

In high school I imagined my journey to college would be pretty conventional: apply, get accepted, go. This simple assumption was accurate, but everything after ‘go’ has been fairly atypical. I’m currently serving my second full-time service year with the Minnesota Reading Corps; both years I have been attending college full-time online.

Guest writer Erica Solorio

I had a lot of questions about Minnesota Reading Corps before my year of service and any help was greatly appreciated.  Prospective applicants for Minnesota Reading Corps have asked several important questions regarding their potential year of service and I will do my best to answer them.

How do you complete all of your hours?

From August 7, 2013 to July 11, 2014, full-time members must complete 1720 hours and part-time members must complete 920 hours.

Guest writer Jake Zimbric

To be clear, education was not my expertise. I come from a background in science, where two years doing laboratory research taught me the importance of a sterile environment, how to communicate professionally and also that I must be serious all the time. 

Kindergartners practice none of these things.

Guest writer Amber Sternitzke

After graduating from Minnesota State University, did I expect to return and be serving in my small community?  Not exactly.  Did I envision there to be opportunities to make an impact in Good Thunder, MN, population 500? Not exactly!  I’m currently serving with Minnesota Reading Corps as a K-3 literacy tutor at Maple River West Elementary in Good Thunder.  This experience has been life changing.

Guest writer Karena Langehaug

Before I became a Minnesota Reading Corps tutor, I was working at a coffee shop. I really enjoyed working there, but I wanted to really make a difference and I didn’t feel like handing out coffee was really doing that. I started looking for a new opportunity and came across Minnesota Reading Corps.
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