More volunteer tutors needed for Edmonds-Woodway program

Published 7:30 pm Sunday, January 8, 2012

EDMONDS — The Edmonds-Woodway High School library buzzed with roughly 50 students tapping on computer keyboards and poring over their textbooks during a tutoring session before winter break.

Volunteers sat with students and asked, “What do we need to get done?”

Students working with these tutors appeared focused and were confident they could tackle conjugating verbs in Spanish or finding solutions in calculus.

Students who need extra help can work one-on-one with a volunteer tutor from 2-5 p.m. weekdays in the Edmonds-Woodway High School library.

The tutoring program has evolved since starting last February. It began with Bill Henning, a member of the school’s parent group, which sponsors the program, and other parents who wanted to identify student needs.

The tutoring program has become a victim of its success, however. High volumes of students asking for help mean more volunteers are needed.

Tutors don’t have to fall within a specific age range, have college degrees or hold teaching experience, Henning said.

“Most adults have enough skills to help,” he said.

Considering the Edmonds School District has a diverse population, it would help to have volunteers of varying ethnicities.

“Students could be mentored by someone they identify with,” he said.

A younger tutor can take advantage of the smaller age difference. An older, retired professional is beneficial because they have more experience, he said.

“Everyone has something to give,” Henning said.

Roy Chapel is a retired electrical engineer and Edmonds-Woodway is one of several places where he tutors.

His experience makes him a good match for students needing help in math and physics.

“These are neat young people,” he said. “If I can bring (them) one step closer to their dreams, I want to help. Everyone needs help at some point.”

Peer tutor Krista Rutz, 17, said teaching a classmate a concept and watching them understand it and seeing their grades rise is gratifying.

“Tutoring doesn’t have to be embarrassing,” she said.

Within two weeks of attending, Thomas Toki, 14, said his time management improved and the tutors helped him complete his work.

“They push me to get my work done,” he said.

Studying in the library doesn’t present as many distractions compared to studying at home, Toki added. “I get more stuff done after school here.”

The goal is to see similar tutoring programs offered at all of the district’s schools. Mountlake Terrace High School, for example, offers help for an hour after school.

The tutoring program creates accountability and students are receptive, Henning said.

“They’re amazing and absolutely wonderful people,” he said.

Want to help?

Tutoring is offered from 2-5 p.m. weekdays at Edmonds-Woodway High School, 7600 212th St. SW, Edmonds. Tutors can choose how often they participate and how long they stay to help.

To register, go to http://tinyurl.com/EWTutorApplication.

For more information, contact programs@ achievement4edmonds.org.