Throughout the early 2000s, Siegel Siegel has been periodically volunteering at The Literacy & Learning Center, sharing his math skills with students of all ages who need a little extra one-on-one instruction.
Siegel has participated in TL&LC’s Individual Tutoring program, working predominantly with Highlands School K-12 students during after-school.
He has also throughout summer programs, which are available to any student seeking to prevent the “summer slide,” or to use the time to catch up or boost skills.
Siegel’s generosity has even extended to working with an adult studying for a nursing exam.
This was years ago, before adult tutoring was part of TL&LC’s programs, so something Siegel did of his own accord.
He said that being a tutor was not a particular goal, but that he saw it as a way he could help. “I’m very glad for what I have been able to give to the community and the kids, and the satisfaction of seeing the students’ progress,” said Siegel.
Currently, Siegel tutors a 5th grader named Jesus in TL&LC’s after-school program.
The pair initially matched during the Covid-19 restrictions, and first met virtually.
Siegel immediately saw that in-person interaction would help them get to know each other better, so came to the facility and worked with Jesus outside.
Gradually, a bond began to form.
Siegel is also a generous supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters and asked if Jesus might be interested in the program. Jesus and his family were excited by the opportunity, signed him up, and he and Siegel were matched as Big and Little Brothers.
It has been wonderfully rewarding for TL&LC staff to see the Individual Tutoring program support participants not only through the prescribed objectives of teaching and learning, but further through the formation and growth of deeper relationships.
“With Jesus, I am seeing a change in that when we first started, he didn’t like math even though I think he is pretty good at it. But by saying–and actually meaning–that I love numbers and working on math problems, and by showing how math is part of everyday life, he is seeing a practicality to the study.”
If you or someone you know is interested in tutoring opportunities, please contact TL&LC at 828.526.0863 or email Caroline Cox at ccox@theliteracyandlearningcenter.org.