The Tutor Corps Foundation is in full swing this fall! We are currently working with 15 students in grades 5 through 12. Of this cohort, about half of our scholarship students are continuing from last year and half are new to the foundation. These students work with our tutors for one hour a week all school year, receiving academic tutoring and study skills support. Above all, our tutors serve as coaches and mentors who seek to inspire academic confidence. When selecting tutors to work with foundation students, our hiring team (thoughtfully ran by managers Jenny Meadow, Jasmine Watts, and Kathy Tojaga) turns to our two sister organizations (Tutor Corps and Pacific Preparatory) in order find the perfect mentor to help our students become their best academic selves.

Many tutors inquire about working with the foundation. When selecting new tutors to join the foundation team, we look to our most thoughtful, patient and passionate educators. So, what does it take to be a top-notch Tutor Corps Foundation tutor? Matthew R., a tutor new to the foundation this year, is the perfect example of the support we strive to give each and every student. I spoke with Matthew recently about his work with the foundation and with Tutor Corps more broadly and he offered wonderful insights into why his work with students is so meaningful.

Meet Foundation Tutor Matthew R.

Matthew always knew he wanted to be an educator and has been teaching and tutoring in some capacity since he was in high school. While his educational journey eventually led him to law school and receiving his Juris Doctor degree, he always found his way back to teaching. This is because he believes he has a gift as an educator and tutor and he’d like to share that gift with as many students as possible. “I was raised to be good and kind to my fellow human beings,” he notes, “and teaching lets me do exactly that.” Whether he’s working with students through the foundation, students through our school district partnerships, or students through our 1:1 school Pacific Preparatory, Matthew approaches his students first and foremost as individuals in need of kindness and understanding. “You need to give students the flexibility and safe space they need in order for them to comfortably communicate and voice their concerns,” he says. “Approach the engagement as a friend and a mentor and academic success will follow.” He strives to always remain cognizant of students’ mental load and anxiety and works to meet them where they’re at. From there, the learning begins and the students' success will unfold naturally. Matthew compares this to going to the gym on days when you just might not have the energy and stamina to go full-force on cardio. So, you might start with some light stretches, some yoga, and maybe light resistance exercises to get the workout going. Just getting movement in is the most important part. Then, you can prepare your body and mind for much more intensive exercises. The same goes with tutoring; you need to meet students where they’re at each day and every lesson. Get them moving in the right direction and get them learning so they can enhance their mental acuity and academic prowess. Matthew is a firm believer that this can often be achieved by helping students organize their thoughts and prioritize their assignments, and by teaching students the substantive material they need to know for them to complete their assignments and perform well on their exams. Additionally, he believes that it is of paramount importance for a teacher to be fully competent in the subject matter so that the teacher instills confidence in their students and inspires them to continue to learn.

We’re so proud to get to match students with tutors like Matthew each and every day. Being able to facilitate meaningful connections and help students meet their goals is truly a gift. For those looking to get involved, please consider donating to the foundation today. Each and every donation goes straight to paying amazing educators like Matthew.