Innovations for Learning (IFL) is partnering with Newton County School System to bring the unique online reading program, TutorMate, to local first-grade classrooms. TutorMate is the nation’s preeminent virtual volunteer program that helps thousands of students learn to read. More than 200 of the country’s most prominent corporations and organizations partner with IFL to recruit an army of volunteers who help young students learn to read.
The 2018-2019 school year is the first year that TutorMate will partner local corporate and community tutors with Newton County first-graders. Tutors will help their students learn to read through weekly, 30 minute online sessions. Samantha Fuhrey, Newton County School System Superintendent, shares in the excitement; “We know that reading on or above grade-level before exiting grade 3 is critical to our students’ future successes, and I am excited about this innovative approach to purposefully connect our business, industry, and community partners to our students through reading. Pairing first grade students with a caring adult who provides additional reading practice and support will certainly enable our students to develop their reading skills and build their confidence. I cannot wait to get started!”
Deena Sams, Director of Afterschool and Community Affairs for the district is promoting the launch of TutorMate with this call to action: “Literacy lays the foundation for a child's success in school and in life. There must be an investment from the whole community to shape our future leaders. We need businesses, churches, civic groups, non-profits, local government, and others to join us making sure students are reading on grade level before they reach 3rd grade.”
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Innovations for Learning is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to improving literacy outcomes of primary grade students in under-resourced schools. Their flagship program, TutorMate, offers a unique opportunity for local volunteers to help students practice reading through weekly, online tutor sessions. The consistent connection with a nurturing and friendly tutor not only helps students reach grade-level literacy, but also fosters self-esteem, confidence, and a joy for reading. TutorMate is changing the literacy landscape in 30 major metropolitan school districts in the United States and, as of 2018, in London, UK and Toronto, Canada. To get your company involved or to learn more about becoming a volunteer tutor, visit
https://www.innovationsforlearning.org.