Volunteers age 55+ needed to tutor Williamson County students in reading and math
Nashville, Tenn. – FiftyForward Friends Learning in Pairs (FLIP) is seeking adults age 55 and older to tutor students in grades K-4 in Williamson County Public Schools and the Franklin Special School District.
“FLIP volunteers are invaluable to us here at Liberty Elementary, not just because they help our students become better readers and mathematicians, but because their smiling, nurturing personalities promote a sense of confidence in our students. They also provide an important connection to the community at large,” said Pam Fahey, Reading Coach, Liberty Elementary School.
Last year, 49 volunteers tutored nearly 200 students in 12 Williamson County elementary schools and this year’s goal is to engage even more older adults to serve the needs of students in the community.
Volunteers are needed to tutor two hours a week during the school year to help students with reading or math. Tutors are especially needed at Sunset, Liberty and Moore Elementary schools
Tutors typically work with the same children during the entire school year to provide opportunities the students to learn and practice social skills, provide one-on-one attention and serve as positive adult role models. The end result of this tutoring experience is a close bond between students and the older adults providing benefit to participants in both age groups.
Tutors are trained by FiftyForward FLIP and attend twice yearly in-service sessions that are held at the FiftyForward Martin Center in Brentwood. Tutors also receive on-going assistance from staff and support from in-school instructional coaches. Books, materials and other tutoring resources are provided. Tutor training sessions are currently being planned now and tutoring will begin in late September.
FiftyForward FLIP is the signature program of the FiftyForward Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). RSVP is a division of Senior Corps, a federal agency committed to providing meaningful volunteer opportunities for older adults.
For more information about FiftyForward FLIP and upcoming training classes contact Shannon Freeman at 615-376-4332 or sfreeman@fiftyforward.org.
About FiftyForward
Established in 1956, FiftyForward supports, champions and enhances life for those 50 and older. As a nonprofit operating seven lifelong learning centers –- two in Williamson and five in Davidson County -– FiftyForward offers educational, health and wellness, arts and volunteer programs to engage older adults. FiftyForward also provides comprehensive supportive services and access to resources including FiftyForward Adult Day Services, FiftyForward Fresh/Meals on Wheels as well as the FiftyForward Care Team offering care assessment and services for older adults. FiftyForward Travel offers adventures (regional and international) and the Senior Center for the Arts and The Larry Keeton Theatre, a subsidiary of FiftyForward, feature performing arts for all ages. Get social with us – friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Learn more about FiftyForward resources and volunteer opportunities by visiting: www.fiftyforward.org.
