As I was researching ways to use my training, experience, and resources in retirement, I came across this question: “What do you enjoy doing so much that you would work for free doing it?" 
 
The answer for me was teaching children to read. 
 
After teaching for over 30 years, both in the classroom and as a Reading Specialist, I researched volunteer opportunities to teach reading. I wanted the flexibility to use the training and research-based materials that I knew could be highly effective for struggling readers, and that eventually led me to Learn To Be. 
 
One thing I appreciate about Learn To Be is the opportunity to provide students with 1-on-1 attention. Classroom teachers have an enormous number of responsibilities and have to meet the needs of many students at once. With tutoring, students have the opportunity to learn at their own pace, practice the foundational skills they need, and build a strong foundation outside of the pressures of the school day.  
 
I was able to read Haniyah’s profile and choose her based on her needs and my ability to meet those needs. Once I met and assessed her, I knew we would be very successful. Haniyah is bright and eager, she has incredible support from her mom and dad, and she is determined to succeed. 
 
As her tutor, I have been able to stay with Haniyah for several years, moving her beyond foundational skills into reading authentic text successfully and being able to write and express herself well.  
 
Today, we are working our way through a program designed for more advanced readers who are ready to conquer longer and longer multi-syllable words containing prefixes and suffixes and to grow their vocabularies.
 
Tutoring Haniyah and watching her go from being a discouraged reader to a confident reader has been a blessing. 
 
I would encourage retired teachers or any trained professionals to tutor through Learn To Be. Private tutoring is so expensive for families, and many kids miss out on the chance to become successful readers because of financial barriers. If trained educators could share just a little bit of their time and knowledge to help deserving kids through Learn To Be, I highly encourage it. 
 
Haniyah and her family have brought joy into my retired life. I look forward to seeing them each week. Haniyah and I will be in touch long after she needs or wants tutoring because of the bond we have formed. I am one of her biggest cheerleaders, and truly, she is one of mine.