Wendy’s Wish

Each day in partner public schools across southeastern Kentucky, a team of approximately 40 ReadingCorps tutors work with students to teach fundamental reading skills. As the school year came to a close, we took a moment to ask each member to reflect on their year of service by sharing about a student who experienced progress in their reading ability along with their wish for all the students they served. While there were so many powerful stories shared, let’s shine a light on Wendy at Viper Elementary in Perry County and the wishful words she has for her students.

“My wish for my students is they alway know how powerful and capable they are in this world. I want them to know and understand that they are superheroes in my eyes,” Wendy shared.

While all of her students are superheroes and are making great strides in overcoming their barriers to grade-level reading, Wendy shared a story of one very special fifth grade superhero, Jojo. “When Jojo was first referred for tutoring in our reading lab, they were not excited and declared, ‘I don’t need a tutor’,” Wendy began. “Over the following weeks and months, however, Jojo became more receptive to working with me as she began to make improvements in her reading and test scores. In fact, during practice testing for state end of year assessments, Jojo scored a proficient in reading! She came to me almost in tears because she was so happy at how well she had done and how much progress she has made!”

Seeing the joy come across a child’s face as they become more confident is what Wendy, and many of our ReadingCorps tutors, shared as the most enjoyable and rewarding aspect of their service. “These students come to school with a smile because what was once just a scribble in a book to them has now become their success story! Seeing my students achieve goals and break barriers makes me wish I could make this a lifelong career!”

To learn more about ReadingCorps or to inquire about serving on our team, visit Hindman.org/recruitment!