It’s just one of the tactics Sessions uses in her role as a Minnesota Reading Corps tutor in her third year at the school.
After spending the better part of 15 years working in retail, the North Dakota native knew she wanted something with a more regular schedule and a more impactful reach.
“I left like for me, this is a really good transition,” she said of the Reading Corps program, which is part of Americorps. The four-year positions pay stipends and offer some healthcare and even child care benefits.
“I love that I’m getting to see kiddos and working with them and see them advance and grow, and it was really cool to know there was an impact happening right in our community.”
As her third and final year comes to a close, she wanted to get out the word about the need Centennial Schools has for more Reading Corps reading tutors. Currently, the district has openings at four of its five elementary schools.
Sessions said when she was the only tutor in her position at the school two years ago, she was able to help 15 students across the school year. This year, she is one of three, and they’ve helped more than 50 students. She also said those who are curious about a career in education should consider joining the reading corps.
“You aren’t expected to memorize (curriculum). You don’t have to have that education background–the training is provided,” she said. “This is a great opportunity for anybody that’s looking to get into education, (or) kind of want to get their foot in the door to see what it’s like to work in a school.”